Reaction to Penicillin

The Clinical Negligence team at Bridge McFarland LLP, Lincoln, have recently helped a client with a medical negligence case, involving an Inquest and Civil proceedings. The case was dealt with by Louise Bush, Partner, and Natalia Redfern, Solicitor.

Mrs Susan Hammond died in Lincoln County Hospital in 2009, aged 65, having being administered a drug containing penicillin when several warnings indicated she was allergic to this. Mrs Hammond had previously suffered two anaphylactic reactions to penicillin and had been warned that she must never take penicillin again, as each subsequent reaction tends to be more severe than the preceding one. 

Mrs Hammond was taken to the hospital having fallen ill at a care home. A doctor had prescribed the medication which a nurse then gave Mrs Hammond, despite her wearing an allergy warning wristband, and her medical records and referral documentation documenting the allergy. Mrs Hammond later died in hospital having suffered an anaphylactic reaction to the drug.

The team at Bridge McFarland LLP supported the family through the case and helped achieve a full apology from the doctor, nurse and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Louise Bush and Natalia Redfern said “Given that a very lengthy police investigation has been necessary, this has delayed the Inquest taking place. The whole process has been very difficult and distressing for Mrs Hammond’s immediate family.

Bridge McFarland LLP have supported the family through the Inquest process and appreciate what an ordeal it has been for them. We hope the family can finally get some closure on this case, which has been extremely distressing for them. The fact that full apologies have been made during the Inquest by the clinicians concerned, and a formal admission has been made by the Trust, has been greatly appreciated by the family.

The Inquest has been a very lengthy and thorough investigation into the circumstances of Mrs Hammond’s death. We hope that the Trust will implement the suggested changes, recommended by HM Coroner, and that lessons will be learned from this case, to ensure it does not ever happen again.

At Bridge McFarland LLP, we are wholly committed to ensuring that anybody who does suffer as a result of any aspect of medical negligence receives a personal and supportive service from our highly experienced team, comprising best possible representation and thorough investigation, and including any financial compensation that may be appropriate”.