Hospital bosses pay out over Kidderminster man's death (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Hospital bosses pay out over Kidderminster man's death

10:59am Monday 14th December 2009

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A SIX-figure settlement is to be paid out after hospital bosses admitted liability following the death of a 75-year old Kidderminster man, who was the main carer for his sick wife.

Ron Withington, of Spennells, died three years ago after an abdominal aneurism ruptured three months after a scan at Worcestershire Royal Hospital revealed it had grown in size and was likely to burst at any time.

As a result of “shortcomings in the administrative system”, results were not passed to a consultant for the urgent surgery needed.

Mr Withington and his wife, June, had moved to Kidderminster in 2006 to be closer to their daughter, Julie Shaw.

He had previously been treated at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, where specialists had diagnosed him with the condition and told him that surgery would be likely if the aneurism continued to grow.

Following his death, his daughter launched an investigation and later a letter of claim was sent to the hospital.

Sarah Corser, solicitor and associate at Midlands law firm, Challinors, which took on the case, explained: “Breach of duty was admitted but causation remained questioned. Following receipt of a report, full liability was admitted by the hospital.”

Mrs Shaw, of the Gilgal area of Stourport, said she was not satisfied by the settlement.

She explained: “I still believe someone was not doing their job correctly and, therefore, should have, at the very least, been named, shamed and sacked.”

She added: “Dad was mum’s main carer ever since her accident 17 years ago, which left her mildly brain damaged and needing help and care with everyday tasks and life.

“They lived in sheltered accommodation in Kidderminster and dad provided the daily care. Since he has gone, my family and I have had to provide this care.”

The settlement includes compensation for Mrs Shaw and her family for the loss of Mr Withington, and provides for some professional care in the future.

A Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said: “We offer our sincere apologies to Mr Withington’s family.

“We have admitted liability and we are pleased that we have managed to reach an acceptable settlement.”

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