Woman left awake during operation

Kira Lothian is pregnant again and is expecting another child

A mother has been awarded £13,500 after being given a Caesarean section without an anaesthetic.

Kira Lothian, 29, of Colchester, Essex, was transferred to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, when she went into early labour on 26 July 2003.

The mother-of-two was given a muscle relaxant, but doctors forgot to fill a machine with general anaesthetic.

Hospital chiefs admitted the mistake and apologised unreservedly for the pain and distress caused.

Mrs Lothian said she felt the surgeon's incision, but was unable to call out for help because her muscles had been numbed with a pre-operation relaxant.

"I think the operation went on for about two minutes.

"But I couldn't speak because my muscles were numbed.

"The pain was indescribable. I have never felt so much pain before.

"I still get flash-backs and I now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder," she said.

The hospital apologised for any pain and distress caused

The anaesthetist became aware of the problem when Mrs Lothian's heart-rate began to rise.

When the sevoflurane vaporiser - used to administer the anaesthetic - was checked it was found to be empty.

Mrs Lothian was quickly attached to a new machine and put to sleep.

Mrs Lothian gave birth to a 2lb baby son - who was three months premature - but he died two days later.

After a year of legal wrangling, Mrs Lothian agreed to a settlement and last Friday was sent a cheque for £13,500.

"I just wanted to move on, so I agreed to the settlement. At first they offered me just over £3,000, but I said no.

"No amount of money will replace my son; money isn't everything.

"But I'll use the money to pay for Samuel's headstone."

'Unreserved apology'

The mother of two other sons - aged eight and six - is now 11-weeks pregnant with a another child.

She has been told by doctors at Colchester General Hospital that another Caesarean is a possibility.

"I'm absolutely terrified at the prospect. My doctor and I are pushing for a natural birth," Mrs Lothian said.

In a statement, a hospital spokesman said: "Immediate action was taken by the surgical team to rectify this situation.

"We have offered our full and unreserved apologies to Mrs Lothian for the pain and distress caused.

"A full investigation has been carried and action taken to prevent a reoccurrence."