Man sues hospital for clinical negligence after amputation

Posted 26/08/2010

A man who claims staff from a hospital released him when he was in a fragile state of mind is seeking clinical negligence compensation from the NHS.

Mark Currie, 44, was being treated at Edith Cavell Hospital for schizophrenia in summer 2006 when he requested two days outside the ward.

Medical staff agreed, but during that time, Mr Currie took a drug overdose and fell unconscious. He lay so heavily on his left leg that it cut off circulation to the limb and he had to have it amputated.

In a High Court writ, Mr Currie insists the hospital should not have allowed him to leave in such an unstable state and is seeking compensation.

Tom Cook from Ashtons Legal, who is representing Mr Currie, said the “system had failed him”.

“This is a man who has been battling serious problems for many years and is now faced with the additional hurdle of being an amputee. In our view, this situation could and should have been avoided,” he added.

Earlier this month, Delyth Mosey told the South Wales Guardian she is seeking clinical negligence compensation after her son committed suicide, even though he had repeatedly sought help from mental health workers.