NHS pays out to patient who lost most of his penis to a bug

A PATIENT who lost most of his penis after he became infected by a flesh-eating superbug has received a six-figure payout from the NHS.

Andrew Lane contracted necrotising fasciitis, a potentially fatal infection, following routine surgery to remove his prostate gland in March 2013.

Mr Lane’s bowel was punctured during the procedure but staff at Southend Hospital in Essex only noticed the injury six days later, his lawyers said.

The 63-year-old, from Thurrock, Essex, was rushed to theatre but the damage caused by the infection was so severe that he was left with just an inch-and-a-half of his penis.

Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has admitted a delay in diagnosing Mr Lane’s condition and the case was settled in July for an undisclosed sum, Slater and Gordon said. Mr Lane said: “They’ve admitted their mistake, but I’ve not had an apology and knowing that just a scan a few days earlier would have prevented all of this is very difficult to accept.

“I’ve been compensated, but I’ll never get my health back.”

Mr Lane, who married his long-term partner shortly after being discharged from hospital, can no longer have sex, is incontinent and has been treated for depression following the life-changing operation.

Tom Spearpoint, a clinical negligence lawyer at Slater and Gordon, said: “The impact has been devastating, both physically and emotionally, but the trust’s admissions have at least given him some closure and the means to get the care and support he needs.”