A woman whose life was devastated after medics failed to treat her brain abscess quickly enough has won £1.6 million in NHS compensation.

Former dental nurse, Emma Shirley, 42, Dover, was diagnosed with a benign tumour in her brain in 2005 and received treatment.

But, in 2010, she started to get worsening headaches and underwent surgery to remove the tumour at King’s College Hospital in London.

Her headaches got even worse, however, and on August 9, 2010 she went to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for a CT scan.

The results showed fluid on the brain and the presence of an abscess, her lawyers claimed at London’s High Court.

And, after being discharged, Miss Shirley suffered a seizure at home and was rushed to King’s College Hospital for treatment.

She was left with epilepsy, right-side weakness and cognitive, language and memory problems.

Miss Shirley’s lawyers claimed that medics at King’s College Hospital had advised that antibiotics were unnecessary before her hospital discharge.

On her behalf, they sued King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which today agreed to a final £1.6 million settlement of her claim.

“There has been an admission by the trust that it should have facilitated earlier transfer to King’s College Hospital in August 2010,” said NHS barrister, Erica Power.

“Money is never any compensation, but I hope it goes some way towards a resolution of the matter" - Judge Patrick Curran QC

“Had that occurred, there would have been more timely treatment and a better outcome and the trust offers its unreserved apology to Miss Shirley.”

“I approve the settlement in the sum of £1.6 million,” Judge Patrick Curran QC said.
“Money is never any compensation, but I hope it goes some way towards a resolution of the matter.”

After the hearing, Miss Shirley’s solicitor, Angharad Hughes, said: “Emma now has to live with the consequences of the hospital’s failings to address the deterioration in her condition and the need for urgent treatment for the rest of her life.

“This has had a far-reaching impact upon all aspects of Emma’s life.

“These funds will offer her security for her future and enable her to maximise her independence with ongoing support.”

The news comes on the day we reported how medical blunders at Kent hospitals have cost the NHS millions.