Report Reveals Alarming Number of Limb Amputations due to Medical Negligence

The Freedom of Information request reveals that between 2020 – 2023, there were 6 cases where an amputation could and should have been avoided for the patient, just at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

However, this seems to be a widespread issue, as other Trusts report an alarming number of wrongful amputations including:

• 5 at Medway NHS Foundation Trust (1 in 2021, 3 in 2022 and 1 in 2023)
• 3 at The George Eliot Hospitals NHS Trust (2 in 2020 and 1 in 2023)
• 3 at East Kent Hospitals University Trust (1 in 2020, 1 in 2022 and 1 in 2023)
• 2 at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Some NHS Trusts did not confirm specifically how many wrongful amputations had taken place in recent years, but confirmed estimated figures. For example: Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that there were ‘less than 10 amputations due to medical negligence’, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that there were ’15 or fewer’ cases and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust confirmed that there were ‘less than 10’.

The Impact of a Wrongful Amputation caused by Medical Negligence

Here at Irvings Law, we understand the devastating impact that a wrongful amputation can have on a patient’s life. Both the physical and mental effects can be completely life-changing for the individual and their loved ones.

Simon Brennan, head of the Medical Negligence department at Irvings Law, has over 30 years of experience in assisting clients who have sadly undergone a wrongful amputation. Simon comments that “the amputation of a limb is a life changing event for anyone, but it is shocking to see the number of people who have undergone an amputation because of negligence. These are cases of maximum severity and should be handled with care, empathy and expertise.”

How can Irvings Law help you?

If you or a loved one have undergone an amputation as a result of medical negligence, get in touch with one of our specialist solicitors today.

We offer a free initial consultation with one of our solicitors and we act on a ‘no win no fee’ basis for all of our clients.

We can help you obtain compensation for the pain and suffering that you have experienced as a result of the negligent amputation, but also obtain compensation for other things such as: prosthetics, suitable accommodation or adaptations to your current home, aids and equipment, lost earnings, therapies such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy input, care and assistance and, assistive technology.

Contact our specialist solicitors on 0151 475 1999 or Clin.Neg@irvingslaw.com