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Search forHeart defect mum's £2m damages claim
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 09:14
Laura Orchard, 21, is seeking High Court damages for personal injuries allegedly suffered during her treatment by South West Strategic Health Authority.
The authority, which is responsible for performance of NHS treatment at Bristol Royal Hospital for Sick Children and Bristol Royal Infirmary, treated her when she was born in 1987 until 1990.
Clinical negligence lawyer Laurence Vick, partner of Exeter-based Michelmores, is fighting for compensation on her behalf.
He said the case was 'highly sensitive' adding: "It is important the family seek fair and proper compensation if it can be shown she suffered damage as a result of negligence.
"It is only right the NHS trust involved should be made accountable."
A High Court writ was lodged in July and is signed by Mr Vick acting for Miss Orchard, who is suing through her mother Helen.
The writ, served against the South West Strategic Health Authority, alleges the treatment provided by the defendant's 'servants or agents' caused Miss Orchard 'neurological and cardiological injuries.'
It says: "The claimant expects to recover more than £15,000.
"The claimant's claim includes claims for personal injuries and consequential losses and is estimated at more than £2million.
"The claimant reserves the right to increase the value of her claim."
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Vick said: "This is a matter we have been investigating for a lengthy period.
"We have been obtaining expert opinions to put together a claim alleging Miss Orchard suffered injuries as a result of negligence in the management of her surgery at the BRI's paediatric cardiac unit."
A public inquiry in 2001 led to a damning report into the failures at the hospital and led to a complete overhaul of practices within the health service.
Mr Vick added: "People are surprised when they learn there are still cases being contested despite the findings of the GMC hearing and the public inquiry."
Born with a serious heart defect in June 1987 Miss Orchard defied medics when she gave birth to a baby boy, Alfie, in August 2006.
At the time she said: "When I was born the doctors said I would not make it through the night and I would never be able to have children because I would put too much pressure on my body.
"I had to have a Caesarean which was even more dangerous for me. My blood pressure kept dropping and it was lucky I could have it awake because there is a chance I would not have woken up if I was put to sleep."
A spokesman from NHS South West said: "We can confirm that a claim has been made against the South West Strategic Health Authority.
"We sincerely regret that Miss Orchard has suffered injury and are working towards resolving her case as soon as possible."
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