Man settles heart op MRSA claim

Frank Thomas had his heart operation in 2001

A heart patient from Cornwall left with severe injuries after he contracted MRSA has settled his claim against the hospital which treated him.

Frank Thomas will receive "substantial" damages after settling his case against Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.

His wound became infected after a triple heart by-pass operation in 2001.

The hospital did not admit liability and said it denied he acquired his infection as a result of any sub standard practises.

'Quite frightened'

Mr Thomas, who is 66 and from Hayle, had to have all the ribs at the front of his chest removed as a result of the infection.

His wife Julie, also 66, said it was a worrying time.

"Once I found out I was really quite frightened because his chest was in such a mess.

All the ribs at the front of his chest were removed

"I really didn't think he was going to make it, two or three times I thought he was going to die on us."

Mr Thomas has now reluctantly agreed a no fault settlement with Plymouth's Hospital NHS Trust.

In a statement the trust said that a post-operative infection was a "common and well-recognised complication following cardiac surgery" but acknowledged there were "vulnerabilities surrounding his treatment" after the infection was diagnosed.

The statement said the trust was "pleased that settlement could be reached in this regard".

The hospital also added that its MRSA rates are now falling.