Artist Wins Compensation for Botched Surgery

An artist has won compensation after sub-standard surgery and poor quality aftercare left her barely able to use her left arm.

Margaret Gold, now 70, was undergoing surgery to test for breast cancer at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester when the surgeon accidentally severed nerves in her armpit. Although it was clear that something had gone wrong, Mrs Gold was sent to several different clinics for check-ups rather than receiving immediate attention. By the time she was referred for follow-up treatment, the damage could not be repaired.

Mrs Gold now has little use of her arm. She is unable to raise her wrist and her fingers are numb. She used to work as an artist, illustrator and art therapist but now finds it difficult to hold a piece of paper. She also struggles to carry out everyday tasks like chopping food.

After bringing a personal injury claim against the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Mrs Gold won £37,500 in damages and an official apology from the Trust. A spokesperson for the hospital has given assurances that every attempt has been made to prevent the same mistake from being made again.