New Cross Hospital twice failed to spot stroke
Hospital bosses have admitted liability after doctors twice missed opportunities to prevent a stroke which left a Wolverhampton man wheelchair-bound.
Paul Garner was sent home on successive days by doctors at New Cross Hospital in August 2011 despite showing symptoms commonly associated with strokes, including raised blood pressure, drooling and weakness in his left arm.
Days later, the 54-year-old he was rushed back to the same hospital by paramedics and found to have suffered a major stroke.
Medical experts said that if staff had administered basic treatment when Mr Garner was first admitted to hospital his stroke could have been prevented.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has now admitted liability in the case and has agreed to make a compensation payment to Mr Garner, who lives in Low Hill.
Mr Garner's left arm is paralysed as a result of the stroke and he now has to use a wheelchair. He also suffers from depression and short-term memory problems and is unable to work as a result of his stroke.
A spokesperson for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said: "On the occasion of Mr Garner's visits to A&E on 26th & 27th August 2011, the diagnosis of a TIA ought to have been considered and a referral made to the stroke physicians.
"Liability is not an issue and terms of compensation are being resolved with our legal teams. The Trust very much regrets these omissions and is working towards an agreed settlement with Mr Garner."
