Family takes legal action after alleged clinical negligence

Posted 06/05/2010

A family is taking legal action against an NHS trust for alleged clinical negligence after a man died from undiagnosed Crohn’s disease.

Malcom Drake, 23, had been suffering from intense discomfort and pain in his abdomen and had repeatedly visited his GP and local hospital in North Staffordshire for help, Peterborough today reports.

Despite seeking advice from several doctors, the patient was told he had a bad muscle strain and was sent away.

Mr Drake died in December 2007 from blood poisoning and a post-mortem revealed Crohn’s disease caused the fatal condition.

A coroner attested that an MRI scan would have highlighted the problem and said Mr Drake would most likely have lived had this been carried out.

His partner is now seeking clinical negligence compensation from the NHS trust she holds responsible for the death.

Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes the digestive tract to become inflamed.

According to the NHS, 90,000 people in the UK are currently living with the condition, which can cause blockages in the intestines if not treated.