Pregnant woman injected with cleaning fluidBy staff writers
March 12, 2008 03:04am

A BRITISH hospital that gave a woman anaesthetic contaminated with cleaning fluid as she gave birth is likely to face a multimillion-pound legal action.

Angelique Sutcliffe, 47, was left paralysed after being injected in the spine with the fluid before her daughter Abigail's birth in January 2001.

The anaesthetic was contaminated with chlorhexidine, which is used to clean patients before surgery.

Following a caesarian, Mrs Sutcliffe went into a convulsion. She also suffered neurological damage.

The incident caused a rare condition called chronic adhesive arachnoiditis - debilitating pain in the back, neck and other limbs.

Judges at London's High Court overnight rejected an appeal by Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, against a ruling it was negligent, the British Press Association reported.

Mrs Sutcliffe, who cannot use her legs, has limited use of her hands and requires around-the-clock care, welcomed the legal decision.

She is now preparing to sue.

The hospital's decision to appeal an April 2007 ruling increased the pressure on her family, she said.

"You think you've won because the court finds in your favour and then you find that it may be taken away from you because the NHS (National Health Service) decides to appeal," she said.

"I hope that today's finding will ensure that procedures in operating theatres are tightened up.

"I would not want this to happen to anyone else."

My sympathy to the family involved.

There was me thinking all scoucers were kind and caring.

32 looks and no replies have your hearts gone on there 'olidays :PDT10

That sounds absolutely horrific.:eek:

I think its bloody disgraceful that the NHS have tried to avoid responsibility for their actions.

It might be one or two days newspaper headlines, but that poor woman has suffered and will continue to suffer for a long time to come. I hope she gets all the money for all the care she ever needs.

Well, to me.. it is appauling it happened in 2001, and ONLY in 2007 there is a judgement of sorts made? Sounds like a lot has slipped through the legal system and hospital care.. I would hope, the person or persons, that were on duty, have had their licenses revoked..

It is a difficult job to be in an ER, and it requires a lot of focus.. You hear too many are overly tired due to lack of help.. JUST a sad happening this.. and YES, I hope too, that hospital caregivers can read and take note..

Very sad indeed Jimmy.. and the daughter would be only 7 years old now..

It's a terrible case. What more can you say.


Dreadful :disgust:

I don't think people not commenting on it make them heartless. You expect professional care and attention in hospital, not to be disabled, it's horrific.

I don't think people not commenting on it make them heartless.

- like the tragic killing of that boy in Sefton Park - what is there to say - but just 'terrible' :(