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Dad Loses Leg After NHS Misdiagnosis
25 Apr
Summary
- A misdiagnosis at NHS Broomfield Hospital led to leg amputation.
- The patient received a six-figure payout after the trust admitted liability.
- He now strives to regain independence despite ongoing pain challenges.
A father of nine from Chelmsford has recounted his experience of a major leg amputation, which he attributes to a severe misdiagnosis at an NHS hospital. Ron Bigwood, now 69, first sought medical attention in September 2014 for calf pain, leading to appointments at NHS Broomfield Hospital.
Despite his condition, Ron was misdiagnosed with a circulation issue in November 2014. Lawyers stated that a CT scan should have prompted medication for a blood clot, but instead, an unnecessary angioplasty was performed in February 2015.
His condition deteriorated, causing severe pain and tissue damage by April 2015. Following a failed vascular operation on April 29, 2015, Ron's right leg was amputated below the knee on June 1, 2015.
The Trust admitted liability for misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and negligent surgical management, acknowledging these failures led to the avoidable amputation. Ron now lives with chronic pain and relies on his family for daily tasks, though he is determined to rebuild his life and regain independence.
He has received substantial interim payments to fund rehabilitation, prosthetic care, and home adaptations. Ron hopes his story will raise awareness during Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of learning from medical errors to protect future patients.
