Family of Mother Awarded £130,000 by hospital

A Mother of two tragically died after being discharged from a hospital with only paracetamol for what was misdiagnosed as a trapped nerve, when she was actually experiencing a cardiac arrest.

Jade Ellis, 36, had called NHS 111 due to pain in her arms and chest, prompting emergency treatment at a casualty unit.

Despite exhibiting symptoms indicative of acute coronary issues, Jade was diagnosed with a trapped nerve, according to her family. They claim that necessary tests to check for heart problems were not performed, leading to her premature discharge. Shortly after returning home, she suffered a heart attack and subsequently died.

Morgannwg University Health Board in South Wales has since acknowledged liability for breaching their duty of care. Health board officials have expressed their apologies for the "failings" in Jade's treatment, stating that had proper tests been conducted, she would not have been sent home and "on the balance of probability" would have survived. Last month, Jade's family, including her children Deanna, 20, and Brandon, 23, received a £130,000 compensation payout.

Jade's mother, 61-year-old Sandra Bartlett, shared her heartbreak, saying, "Jade didn't need to die. She was robbed of life due to one singular error. Had the doctor conducted a blood test, she could have been saved."

Jade began experiencing pain in her arm on March 27, 2020, which she attributed to hours spent working at a computer. The following evening at 11pm, she started to feel severe chest pain after dinner. Believing it was just indigestion, she initially hesitated but eventually called NHS 111, which advised her to contact an ambulance.

Upon arrival at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, she underwent an ECG and blood pressure test by 1am on March 28. Despite these tests, her mother reported that Jade was told her issue was simply a trapped nerve, and she was instructed to take paracetamol and go home.

A letter from the health board admitted that, given Jade's symptoms, despite her young age, she displayed characteristics consistent with a possible diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. The letter concluded that attributing her symptoms to a musculoskeletal condition was inappropriate due to the absence of further investigations.

Sandra Bartlett sought the help of medical negligence solicitors, and in July, the case was resolved with the health board admitting liability, issuing an apology, and agreeing to the financial settlement.

A spokesperson for the health board stated, "We have apologised to Jade's family for the instances where her care fell short of the high standards we expect for all of our patients."

The Johnson Partnership

Derby Crime Solicitors