…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
A care worker, Alan Blakey, who endured a splinter in his hand for four days, has recently been awarded a compensation payout after having his finger amputated.
The amputation was a result of a lack of proper care at an NHS urgent treatment centre.
Alan’s finger became infected, prompting him to seek medical attention and have the splinter removed.
Negligence Claim and Lack of Timely Referral:
Alan filed a claim of medical negligence against Bransholme Urgent Treatment Centre in Hull, East Yorks.
His legal team successfully argued that if the staff had referred him to a hospital earlier, he would likely not have required amputation.
The claim highlighted the importance of administering intravenous drugs promptly to prevent the infection from spreading.
Alan’s Reaction and Acceptance:
Upon learning that his finger needed to be amputated, Alan experienced shock but recognized that there was no alternative.
Despite the emotional impact, he accepted the necessity of the procedure.
Initial Treatment and Concerns:
Alan initially removed the splinter himself after it had been lodged in his finger for four days.
When he visited the urgent treatment centre, the staff cleaned and dressed the infected area, and he was prescribed antibiotics.
However, when Alan returned for a review, the infection had worsened, causing increased pain and swelling.
Prior to his appointment, he had already removed the dressing himself and expressed concerns about a blister on his little finger.
Failure to Refer and Breach of Duty:
Although Alan’s temperature and heartbeat were elevated during the visit, health workers regarded his injury as superficial.
They drained and dressed the blister but failed to refer him to the hospital promptly.
Alan’s legal representatives successfully argued that this constituted a breach of duty, resulting in a delay in administering intravenous antibiotics and performing a wound cleaning procedure.
Deterioration and Correct Diagnosis:
Alan sought medical attention at a hospital the same evening, where he was diagnosed with cellulitis, an infection affecting the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue.
Surgeons discovered that a section of his finger tissue had already died, leading to the subsequent amputation.
Long-Term Consequences and Further Surgery
Four years after the amputation, Alan continues to experience pain and discomfort.
He will require additional surgery to remove nerve endings from the remaining portion of his finger.
The injury has significantly impacted his ability to engage in activities such as five-a-side football, golf, and simple DIY tasks due to the excruciating pain and occasional “electric shocks” upon impact.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement:
Alan pursued a claim of medical negligence against City Healthcare Partnership, the organization responsible for operating Bransholme Urgent Treatment Centre.
As part of an out-of-court settlement, the partnership acknowledged liability, and a compensation award was agreed upon.
The specific amount was not disclosed.
Helena Wood, representing Hudgell Solicitors, emphasized the breach of duty at the health center, particularly the failure to act promptly upon Alan’s presentation of a high temperature, raised heartbeat, and infection, all of which indicated the seriousness of his medical situation.