In 2012, Judith Laverick, 58, from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, underwent a laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy at James Cook University Hospital to address a pelvic prolapse. However, complications soon followed.  

In 2015, a bowel screening colonoscopy revealed a suture protruding through her rectal wall. By early 2016, she was experiencing severe abdominal pain and high CRP result, which is a body inflammation indicator.  Mrs Laverick’s GP prescribed antibiotics, which were to be a long-term provision, and she was referred to James Cook University Hospital.    

In March 2016, Mrs Laverick was seen in the colorectal clinic, and in June 2016, a flexible sigmoidoscopy – a procedure used to look at the bowel - again highlighted a stitch protruding through the rectal wall, along with sinus openings near the stitch. However, no follow-up was arranged.    

Mrs Laverick

In September 2016, Mrs Laverick’s GP re-referred her to the colorectal clinic with ongoing abdominal pain and other symptoms. In subsequent visits, her symptoms were misdiagnosed as diverticular disease. 

At a clinic appointment in 2017, Mrs Laverick and her husband voiced their concerns that the mesh implanted in her 2012 surgery could be causing her symptoms, but their concerns were dismissed.  

In 2018, further investigations suggested mesh erosion into her rectum and vagina, and Mrs Laverick and her husband, Don, once again raised their concerns by writing to the consultant.  

In a letter of reply, the consultant did not accept there was mesh erosion.  

Mrs Laverick’s condition deteriorated significantly, and with the support of her GP, she was referred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in July 2018 for a second opinion.  

There, mesh complications were confirmed, and a scan showed that a fistula had developed.  

In February 2019, Mrs Laverick underwent a colostomy, which provided some relief, but further investigations found that the mesh had eroded. 

However, delays persisted in planning the surgery to remove the mesh. A multidisciplinary plan was not formulated until December 2020 and, tragically, Mrs Laverick died from a stroke in May 2021, before the operation took place. 

 

Prior to her death, Mrs Laverick, with the support of her family, instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate the care she had received, concerned about the impact of the delays in diagnosis and treatment on her health, and the Trusts’ lack of acknowledgment.  

A claim for clinical negligence was pursued against James Cook University Hospital, part of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the RVI, part of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Both hospital trusts agreed to pay financial compensation to the family. However, whilst the RVI also admitted a breach of duty for delays in care, it did not accept responsibility for the injuries caused by the delay, and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust denied all liability, and no acceptance of any responsibility.  

Mrs Laverick’s family continue to voice their concerns that lessons have not been learnt despite the devastating events suffered.  

Speaking about the experience, Mrs Laverick’s husband, Donald Laverick, said: "We find it deeply frustrating and distressing that both Trusts have never truly accepted accountability for what happened, nor have they apologised in a meaningful way. Yet, both Trusts have agreed to pay financial compensation, which feels extremely dismissive.  

“Judith suffered unnecessarily for years; she was in considerable pain that made her physically sick. It’s heartbreaking to know that her suffering has not been fully acknowledged.  

“She reluctantly brought the legal action in the first place, in the hope that, if her concerns were highlighted, accepted and addressed, then her health would stand a chance of improving and, most importantly, others would never have to go through her experience.  

“We hope that by speaking publicly, we can draw attention to our concerns, and hopefully practice can improve from this awful experience for Judith and for us as her family.” 

Helen Cornforth, a medical law expert at Thompsons Solicitors, who represented Mrs Laverick’s family, said: "This has been an incredibly distressing time for Mrs Laverick’s family. The delays and mismanagement of her care caused prolonged and unnecessary pain, suffering and deterioration. 

"Had appropriate action been taken sooner, Mrs Laverick would have been able to undergo the surgery she needed."