Big payout over OAP's death

A pensioner's family will receive six-figure compensation after hospital chiefs today admitted full liability for his death.

Ron Withington, aged 75, of Spennells, Kidderminster, died three years ago as an abdominal aneurism ruptured.

A Worcester Royal Hospital scan three months earlier revealed it was likely to burst at any time.

Due to "shortcomings in the administrative system" results were not passed to a consultant for the urgent surgery needed.

Mr Worthington was main carer for wife, June, 75, left mildly brain damaged in a car accident 17 years ago. Compensation will help pay for professional care for her.

Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust today offered "sincere apologies" and confirmed it was to blame. Mr Withington was diagnosed by another hospital but care transferred to Worcester Royal after moved to Kidderminster from Tamworth in 2006 to be closer to daughter Julie.

The scan in August 2006 showed the aneurism was close to rupture but results were not passed on and Mr Withington collapsed at home on November 23 2006 and died almost instantly.

Daughter Julie, today said: "It could have been avoided. I still believe someone was not doing their job properly and therefore should at the very least have been named, shamed and sacked."

Sarah Corser, of Challinors Solicitors which took on the case, said settlement would include compensation for Julie and her family for the loss of Mr Withington, and provides for some professional care in the future.

Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman Richard Haynes said: "We offer our sincere apologies to Mr Withington's family. We have admitted liability and we are pleased that we have managed to reach an acceptable settlement."