Pensioner’s five-figure sum after losing sight in one eye
Andrew Baker, 74, lost sight in one of his eyes after failing to be examined on New Year’s Day.
Mr Baker, of Narbeth, Pembrokeshire, woke to find black spots in front of his eyes on January 1, 2017.
When the spots turned to redness, pain, and a loss of vision in his right eye, the pensioner took advice from his GP son-in-law and went straight to Glangwili General Hospital.
But after being seen by a doctor and discussing his condition on the phone with the on-call ophthalmologist, Mr Baker was sent home with ointment and analgesia medication.
On January 2, one day after attending A&E, Mr Baker woke to find himself blind in his right eye and in “severe pain”.
After attending the Tysul Eye Unit at Glangwili General Hospital for the next three days he was diagnosed with sight-threatening condition endogenous endophthalmitis.
However, following an unsuccessful operation to address the issue, Mr Baker lost all sight in his right eye.
After contacting his solicitors, Mr Baker began a medical negligence claim against Hywel Dda University Health Board.
He has now won £65,000 from the health board for the delay in diagnosis.
“I’ve known people who have lost their vision, but I didn’t appreciate the impact it has on your life – it’s completely ruined my life,” said Mr Baker in January 2019.
“I can’t drive or read anymore – there is so much that I am no longer able to do.”
Joe Teape, deputy chief executive for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said last year: “We unreservedly apologise for the failings identified in the health board’s treatment and care provided to Mr Baker in January 2017 and for the loss of sight in Mr Baker’s right eye.
“We wish to reassure Mr Baker that we have taken this matter extremely seriously and we have undertaken significant steps to ensure that lessons have been learnt from this case.”