Woman left disabled launches medical negligence claim

A woman who was left disabled as a result of stroke has launched a legal case over alleged medical negligence.

Diabetes sufferer Janet Birch was admitted to Watford General hospital in June 2003 so medics could investigate a possible aneurysm, the Watford Observer reports.

She was transferred to the National Hospital for Neurosurgery and Neurology - a centre for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of neurological conditions.

Once she arrived, medical staff decided to use an invasive procedure known as a catheter angiography to investigate the signs of an aneurysm.

Ms Birch subsequently suffered a stroke which left her permanently physically and cognitively disabled.

According to her legal representatives, the technique carried major risks and a different, non-invasive procedure should have been used.

The University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is being sued over alleged negligence, denies liability.

16/07/2008 15:47