Twenty six women, undergoing breast surgery at an NHS hospital between 2005 and 2008 have been awarded a total of £1.2m in compensation following botched surgery.
The women have suffered problems following surgery including scarring, infections and stitches that burst open and leaked. Each woman has now received an average of more than £45,000 each in compensation.
More than 30 patients raised concerns about the work of specialist breast surgeon Puvaneswary Markandoo, who worked at Barnsley Hospital for three years until October 2008.
New figures disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act show that Barnsley Hospitals NHS Trust has so far paid out a total of £1,189,054 to the 26 women who were successful in their claims for compensation.
Investigations in 2008 resulted in Ms Markandoo being banned from practicing in the private sector when the General Medical Council found her to be deficient in 11 areas of her job including basic and specialist surgery, arranging treatment and working within laws and regulations. Despite this, she was still able to work within NHS hospitals.
It has been reported that the women have undergone surgery including mastectomies and reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment. One woman underwent unnecessary treatment for breast cancer and has since found out that there was no need for her to undergo the operations.
One patient, who underwent operations following treatment for breast cancer has commented: 'No amount of money will make up for what she did to me. I ended up looking worse than I did when I first had the mastectomy.' Her life has been changed dramatically.
Ms Markandoo was suspended on full pay after 35 women complained about problems after their operations. However, the GMC ruled that she was still permitted to work in the NHS under a number of conditions including supervision and retraining.
If you believe that you have received treatment which was below a reasonable standard and would like to make a claim, we have a dedicated team of clinical negligence solicitors who would be happy to help you. You can call us for initial advice now on 01616 966 229.
By clinical negligence specialist, Stacy Albrighton
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