Poor standard of perineal repair
£2,000
Defendant: Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Basildon Hospital)
The Facts
The claimant was pregnant with her first child. Following delivery, it was noticed that she had sustained a second degree tear. Repair was carried out by the midwife one hour after delivery and following poor assessment of the area to be repaired.
A few weeks after the birth, the claimant began to suffer from stress incontinence. She noticed that the area that had been stitched was lumpy. Sexual intercourse was painful. She was referred to a gynaecologist who undertook removal of perineal scar tissue.
Allegations
- Delay in undertaking perineal repair
- Failing to undertake an appropriate assessment of the extent of the repair prior to commencement
Result
The case settled for £2,000. The midwife involved was sent for re-training.