Widow wins compensation after husband dies from hernia operation

A widow whose husband died following a routine hernia operation has secured a payout, it has emerged.

Melvyn Clarke had the surgical procedure at the Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital, which is run by the Central Area of North Wales NHS Trust, in October 2005 and was discharged the next day.

However, the 61-year-old soon began to feel unwell and went to his doctor complaining of vomiting and stomach pains, the Daily Post reports.

His GP failed to refer him to a specialist and he was not re-admitted to hospital until November 2nd.

Despite being operated on by doctors after it was discovered he had a serious blockage in his bowel, he died in the intensive therapy unit five days later.

According to his wife Yvonne's legal team, he could have been saved if the GP had referred him earlier.

She has now won compensation in an out-of-court settlement, although the doctor did not accept fault for the death.

Ms Clarke said: "No amount of money will ever make up for losing my best friend. I would much rather have Melvyn back."

03/10/2008 16:08