A PATIENT has begun a compensation claim against a Kent hospital after insisting it amputated his leg unnecessarily.

Reg Haynes, 68, from Napier Road, Northfleet, had his right leg removed at Dartford's Darent Valley Hospital in November 2000.

The hospital, which confirmed it is in receipt of Mr Haynes’ claim, says it is unable to comment for legal reasons.

Retired steel worker Mr Haynes originally went to his GP complaining of a small scab on his leg which wouldn’t heal.

His surgery then referred him to Darent Valley Hospital where it was suspected he had a bone infection called osteomyelitis.

Mr Haynes then underwent a bone scan, which showed he did not have the infection. The married father of three now believes the amputation was not necessary.

He said: “I was led to believe this was the only thing which could be done for me.”

Mr Haynes is now awaiting a meeting with his solicitors on Monday.