Stafford Hospital doctors in stomach op blunder

Doctors at Stafford Hospital wrongly removed a pensioner's stomach after she was misdiagnosed with cancer.

The hospital did not admit liability but paid out substantial undisclosed damages after settling the case out of court.

The cash will be used to provide the grandmother of four, who was 67 at the time, with the care and support she needs for the rest of her life. After a series of tests at Cannock and Stafford Hospital, the woman, of Rugeley, was transferred to University Hospital North Staffs by doctors and pathologists.

She underwent what she believed was "life-saving" surgery just two days before Christmas in 2004.

After the operation tests revealed the tumour was benign, and earlier tests had been wrongly interpreted.

As a result of having her stomach removed, the now 74-year-old, who does not want to be named, lost a significant amount of weight.

She suffers from painful digestive problems and can only eat small quantities of food.

She said today: "I was devastated when I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, but it's hard to put into words the shock I felt when I was told the tumour was benign and I hadn't needed my stomach removing after all.

"I am now in constant pain. Not having a stomach means I do not absorb nutrients very well and can only eat very small quantities of food at any one time.

"I have little energy and everyday tasks are much harder. So many of my retirement plans have gone out of the window .

"Their mistake has ruined my life."

Timothy Deeming, of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, who represented the woman, said: "This was a fundamental error which could and should have been avoided. My client and her family have been devastated by what has happened."

Mid Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed a settlement had been made.