Award and apology from Whipps Cross in fatal cardiac negligence claim
Louis, aged 72, suffered from angina and had had a pacemaker fitted. The angina deteriorated and he visited his GP complaining of severe chest pains. His GP referred him to the Whipps Cross Hospital. He arrived at 10:15.
At 12:25, an ECG was taken and crescendo angina was diagnosed (i.e. he was at risk of cardiac arrest at any time). No treatment was given to him and he waited eight hours to be admitted to a medical ward.
Shortly after this, he suffered a cardiac arrest and died.
In fact, anti-thrombolytic treatment should have been given immediately when he was admitted to hospital and he should have been monitored continuously and transferred to a hospital with a coronary care unit.
A settlement was agreed in the sum of £32,500, plus costs on the condition that the defendants write a letter of apology to the claimant, Louis’ wife.