£320,000 recovered for widow of cancer patient

The Trust admitted that the insertion of a suppository, which was contra-indicated given the deceased's recent bowel surgery, caused the anastomotic breakdown and led to his death.

The deceased underwent resection of carcinoma of the rectum. He subsequently developed an anastomotic leak and developed peritonitis and multi organ failure, which led to death.

The Trust admitted liability. The Trust admitted that the insertion of a suppository, which was contra-indicated given the deceased's recent bowel surgery, caused the anastomotic breakdown and led to his death.

The deceased was self employed at the time of death and would have worked well into his 70's, health permitting.

Following negotiations, the settlement sum of £320,000 was agreed.