Hull Live reports on a 79-year-old patient who lost sight in an eye after delays in her treatment which led to her receiving £65,000 in compensation.
After a reduction of vision in both eyes, the patient was urged by her GP to visit A&E. During her visit to Hull Royal Infirmary Eye Hospital, she was diagnosed with Macular Oedema. This is a swelling of the retina at the back of the eye, which can cause permanent loss of vision. National guidelines state that an urgent medical retina review must be completed within two weeks of the diagnosis. Sadly, after waiting 10 weeks, she was unable to read a standard eye test and count fingers on a hand stood just one metre away.
The patient was put through a year of treatment which were unsuccessful in helping her sight improve, now with total loss of central vision in her left eye. Speaking to Hull Live, the lady has said “This has had a big impact on my life. I don’t really venture out much now and my son has to do an awful lot for me.”
“I can’t really read anymore, which I really used to enjoy. I have to close my left eye fully and tilt my head. If I close my right eye, I can’t see anything at all. When I look to the window I can see some colour, but not much.”
It has been found that if national guidelines were followed, it was likely that the patient’s vision would have been stabilised. Her day-to-day activities have been limited therefore she now requires assistance daily.
The case was settled without being taken to court and the Trust has admitted to breaching its “duty of care” to the patient.
Senior Solicitor, Matthew Gascoyne, of Hudgell Solicitors has said; “This was a case where had national guidelines been followed, treatment would have been provided to prevent this lady’s eyesight worsening.”
“The condition was diagnosed, but the break in the chain came between the referral and seeing a specialist, causing a 10-week wait, during which time the condition worsened to beyond repair.”
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