Sawarn Kaur, an 81-year-old pensioner from Wolverhampton, underwent a hysterectomy at New Cross Hospital on July 23, 2021. During the procedure, surgeons fitted a vascular clamp to an artery in her left leg after she experienced bleeding. Later that evening, she complained of severe leg pain, which medics initially suspected as deep vein thrombosis.
Missed Diagnosis and Delayed Treatment
According to medical negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchell, hospital staff failed to record in her notes that a vascular clamp had been used or that vascular specialists should have been consulted. As a result, doctors did not diagnose the absence of a pulse in her left leg and did not send her for emergency surgery. It was not until two days later, on July 25, that she underwent surgery to remove a blood clot and repair the artery. However, circulation did not return to her leg, leading to an amputation below the knee on July 27.
Impact on Sawarn's Life
Following the amputation, Sawarn underwent extensive rehabilitation and was fitted with a prosthetic leg. She said: "After my surgery I knew something wasn't right. The pain in my leg was unbearable, and I was in absolute agony. I hoped that when I went for further surgery to remove the blood clot things would improve, but deep down I feared the worst. Even so, it was devastating to be told there was nothing that could be done to save my leg."
She remained in hospital and a rehab unit for around five months. Her son, Jaspal, moved in to help as she could no longer climb stairs and slept downstairs in a height-adjustable bed. She had to pay for care and adapt her home.
Legal Action and Lessons Learned
Sawarn has instructed Irwin Mitchell to help secure specialist support, therapy, and rehabilitation. Christopher Hurlston, the expert medical negligence lawyer representing her, said: "Through our work we too often see how missed opportunities and care failings can lead to significant injuries. Sawarn's case vividly highlights the life-changing repercussions patients can be left to face." He added that the trust recognized the severity of what happened and they are working toward a settlement to ensure ongoing specialist rehab.
A spokesperson for the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross Hospital, said: "As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further on this case at this time."
Finding Comfort and Moving Forward
Despite the ordeal, Sawarn has regained some independence with her son's help. She said: "Jaspal has been a great support. Thanks to my rehabilitation and his help, I can do more than I ever thought possible." She also found comfort in a teddy bear named Tindu, bought by her son from a charity shop. "Following my amputation, I felt very lonely. One day Jaspal came across a cute little teddy bear in a charity shop, sitting alone on the shelf, and bought it for me to show I didn't have to be alone. We named him Tindu. He is like a family member and now goes everywhere with me as a source of comfort."
Sawarn hopes sharing her story will help others and improve care. She said: "What happened to me could have been avoided so I want to try and prevent it happening to someone else."
