Botched Knee Op Leads to Amputation, Compensation Won

A life-altering surgical error has resulted in a significant compensation payout for a 69-year-old woman whose leg was amputated following a botched knee replacement operation in 2021. The procedure, intended to improve her mobility, went tragically wrong when a surgeon's drill slipped, causing severe damage to nerves and blood vessels at Castle Hill Hospital.

Despite immediate emergency surgery, the damage was too extensive, necessitating an above-knee amputation. The patient, who has not been publicly named, endured a four-month hospital stay for rehabilitation and recovery. She now requires a wheelchair and has spoken of the immense physical and psychological toll, including difficulties with prosthetic legs.

Her legal team, Hudgell Solicitors, highlighted that the operation was not performed with adequate care. The hospital trust, Humber Health Partnership, expressed deep apologies for the patient's experience. They acknowledged that while they aim for safe care, errors can occur, and committed to openness and thorough investigation.

Compensation was sought to cover future care and necessary equipment to enhance her quality of life. The woman expressed lingering anger and bitterness over the outcome, feeling let down by the individual practitioner, despite her family's positive experiences with other NHS services. The trust stated they worked towards a fair settlement but recognized compensation cannot undo the past.