Solihull mum’s perforated bowel ordeal after scan error

Just days after the birth, she began to suffer severe pain and swelling in her abdomen but says her symptoms were downplayed.

As well as debilitating pain, she also suffered vomiting, which included faecal matter, but on 14 January, doctors misinterpreted her scan as showing temporary slowing of her bowel’s movements following surgery, medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell said.

“My condition got worse over several days. Being told I needed emergency surgery is something I’ll never forget. I was frightened I might die,” the factory worker added.

Despite raising concerns, her condition deteriorated and she developed sepsis. On 18 January, she underwent emergency surgery, in which part of her bowel was removed and a stoma fitted.

The Trust admitted admitted a breach of duty and that a CT scan carried out four days earlier was incorrectly reported.

Decisions about Natalie’s care were based on that error, the Trust has said.

“As legal discussions are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of the case, however, we are working constructively with [Natalie’s] representatives.”