Bolton Woman Left Paralysed After Paramedic Blunder

A woman who was taken to the wrong hospital by paramedics has been awarded over £1 million in compensation after a stroke left her paralysed.

Lynne Horner, 69, from Bolton, Manchester, suffered a serious stroke in 2010 but was taken by ambulance staff to Royal Bolton Hospital instead of a specialist centre at Salford Royal Hospital. Mrs Horner had to wait four hours after having her stroke for critical thrombolysis treatment, by which time it was too late for the clot-busting drugs to be effective. As a result, she was left with permanent neurological injury.

Bob Williams, chief executive of the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

"The NWAS is very sorry that the care given to Mrs Horner did not meet the standard she was entitled to expect and for the distress this has caused her family.

"In the five years since this incident occurred, the clinical supervision, learning, and support given to the ambulance crews for stroke pathway has greatly advanced.

"In this case, the Judge's observations have been carefully considered. The matter of proper compensation for Mrs Horner has now been concluded, drawing to a close what must have been a very difficult time for her and her family."

The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, who's paramedic made the decision to take Lynne to Bolton rather than Salford, has acknowledged its negligence and breach to its duty of care. As a result of her injuries, Lynne was awarded a seven figure sum by the court, which includes compensation and additional funds to cover the cost of her care and adaptations needed to her home.

If you've been injured and want to make a claim, contact our compensation solicitors on 0800 811 844 for advice.

Mellor Hargreaves Ltd

Compensation Solicitors