NHS agrees payout after doctor failed to diagnose brain tumour

The payout to Adrian Underwood by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust comes almost a decade after its staff failed to check a scan showing the tumour.

Lawyers acting for Mr Underwood, who lives in Selly Oak, Birmingham, declined to reveal details of the out-of-court settlement, but called for lessons to be learned from his case.

Mr Underwood was referred to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre by his GP in July 2000 and underwent a series of tests over the next eight months, including a CT scan.

However, when a senior consultant saw the 42-year-old – who had moved to Nottingham to take a degree in theology – in March 2001, the CT scan was not reviewed and he was told he was simply suffering from migraines.

Mr Underwood's health then worsened and, when his vision began to deteriorate in December 2004, he referred himself to the Birmingham Eye Hospital.

Another CT scan then revealed the benign tumour, which had grown to the size of a large lemon, and it was removed by surgeons at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

His lawyer, medical law expert Guy Forster, of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, said: "Despite the fact that a brain tumour had been identified, it seems that Mr Underwood's records were subsequently filed and he was not made aware of the growth on his brain.

"As a consequence of the extensive surgery, Mr Underwood unfortunately developed an infection and suffered a seizure which has permanently reduced his mobility."

Mr Forster added: "Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has admitted failing Mr Underwood.

"Had his tumour been treated in 2001 it is likely he would not have required such drastic surgery and he would have made a full recovery.

"Instead, due to the fundamental failure by the consultant to review the findings of the CT scan, the tumour went undiagnosed for four years, wrecking Adrian's ambitions and putting huge stress and strain on his loved ones.

"We urge the Trust to explain what changes have been made to procedures in order to safeguard patient safety and ensure lessons are learned, not just at this hospital but in the wider NHS."

In a statement that was released through Irwin Mitchell, Mr Underwood thanked the staff at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for saving his life.

"Despite the mistakes made in Nottingham, I would like to thank Andrew Kay and his surgical team as well as the staff of the neurological wards at the QE Hospital in Birmingham.

"Without their expertise, dedication, hard work and good humour in the face of extreme difficulties, I certainly wouldn't have made it through this ordeal."