Despite seeking medical help on more than one occasion, her symptoms were not properly acted upon. She was experiencing recognised "red flag" symptoms, including saddle paraesthesia, which can indicate the onset of cauda equina syndrome, a serious spinal condition requiring urgent treatment. 

It was only when she sought advice from a private physiotherapist that the severity of her condition was identified. Recognising the symptoms, the physiotherapist advised her to attend hospital immediately as she was likely to need urgent surgery to prevent permanent paralysis and double incontinence. 

She underwent emergency surgery and, although the operation prevented her condition from progressing to complete cauda equina syndrome, she has been left with ongoing symptoms. 

The impact of the delayed diagnosis has been significant. It has affected both her career as a nurse and her family life, including her ability to enjoy life with her two daughters. 

When the claim was first brought, the NHS Trust denied that its failures had caused her injuries and offered just £5,000 in compensation. 

Our specialist clinical negligence team challenged that position, obtaining further expert medical evidence that supported her case. After issuing court proceedings, we proposed a joint settlement meeting to help resolve the matter. 

“Cauda Equine Syndrome is a severe medical emergency which, although rare, requires urgent surgery to avoid longstanding serious consequences.  My client was not treated urgently despite reporting the red flag symptoms and despite her work as an experienced senior nurse.  She has shown great tenacity in continuing to work as a nurse but was one of the lucky ones to have escaped permanent paralysis.  In bringing this case and instructing Thompsons to act on her behalf to secure substantial damages she has enabled us to collaboratively highlight the inadequate and negligent care she received, the potential consequences and she now has the funds to build a more secure future for herself and her family.” - Fiona Belgian  

As a result of those negotiations, the parties agreed a settlement of £220,000, reflecting the impact the delays had on her health, career and daily life. 

As a UNISON member, she was able to access expert legal support through her union-backed legal services. 

If you have experienced delays in diagnosis or treatment that have caused avoidable harm, our specialist clinical negligence team may be able to help.