Case Study G

G suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome after the GP failed to arrange transport to hospital and left G taking public transport when her condition was critical.  

Background

G had a history of short episodes of back pain.  On 1 September, G woke up with low back ache, tingling down her right leg and some numbness to the right of her buttock area. G thought this was sciatica, which she had previously suffered.  G took strong painkillers which did not help. 

On 3 September, G noticed that she had difficulty in passing water. She tried to go but struggled.  By 4 September, G found it difficult to walk and could only pass water by squeezing her fist into her stomach.  G was unable to obtain an appointment with her GP for that day. 

On 6 September, G saw Dr X after insisting for an appointment.     Dr X correctly suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome but failed to inform G that he suspected this or that she needed to get to hospital as an emergency. G was given a referral letter to attend hospital.  G had no means of transport nor  money for a taxi to get to hospital (40 minutes drive away). G explained this to Dr X.  Dr X failed to arrange an ambulance.  G had no choice but to walk home. G was unaware that her condition was an emergency. Two days later, G developed bladder and bowel incontinence.  

On 10 September, G attended her GP surgery and saw Dr X again.  Dr X was surprised to see her,  knowing the seriousness of her suspected condition.  Notwithstanding, Dr X simply told G to get to hospital, and again, failed to arrange an ambulance.  G travelled to hospital by bus, in debilitating pain.  

An MRI scan was done as emergency, Cauda Equina Syndrome was diagnosed. Emergency decompression surgery was performed at midnight. 

Outcome

G was left with urinary and bowel incontinence, sexual dysfunction, reduced power in her right leg, neuropathic pain causing electric-shock sensations in her legs, feet and perineum and a  psychiatric illness.

The Defendant contested liability throughout the case.  The Defendant’s case was that Dr X explained that G’s condition was an emergency and there was no failure to ensure G’s immediate attendance at hospital.  Further, Dr X alleged that G was partly to blame for her condition.  G successfully settled her case for a six figure sum.