Pippa Scott-Cowan Suffers Pain, Mobility Issues And Fatigue After Botched Surgery To Correct A Prolapsed Disc

A mother-of-two who suffered nerve damage and a loss of function following failures during surgery to mend a prolapsed disc has been given a settlement to fund her rehabilitation.

Pippa Scott-Cowan, 48, from Aberdare had suffered lower back pain for five years when she collapsed on her bathroom floor in agony in April 2012.

She underwent surgery for a prolapsed disc at Heath Hospital in Cardiff the following September, but after the procedure suffered increased levels of pain and numbness. A review and second surgery revealed that the problem had not been corrected during the first procedure.

The retired probation officer instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care at under Cwm Taf Local Health Board after her ordeal left her in constant pain and unable to work.

Irwin Mitchell identified a raft of concerns regarding Pippa’s her care, including that the registrar involved in the original surgery had failed to seek assistance from a consultant which would have prevented the problems which later emerged.

Pippa’s legal team secured an undisclosed six-figure settlement from the health board which will fund ongoing support and rehabilitation as Pippa works towards her recovery.

Expert Opinion

“This is an incredibly worrying case in which a woman with a history of back pain has gone on to suffer further issues as a result of failings in care which should have been avoided.

“Sadly Pippa’s case is not unlike a great deal we see, with patients putting great faith in the expertise of medical professionals but going on to suffer as a result. It is vital that lessons are learned from a case of this nature so that patient safety can be improved and the same issues never repeated.” Sara Burns - Partner

Pippa first suffered lower back pain in 2007 and went on to be referred for physiotherapy. She was then found to have a prolapsed disc in February 2009 and an operation on the issue was a success.

While her pain continued, she was able to manage until April 2012 when she collapsed and passed out at home. After being admitted to Prince Charles Hospital, she was given morphine and following tests was told she had back spasms. With her condition worsening, she was then operated on in September 2012.

Pippa said: “It was incredibly difficult time, not just for me but my family too. At the time my daughter was doing her A-levels so we were reliant on relatives to help us out.

“I tried to keep working despite the issues with my back and even switched to part-time in an effort to keeping going, but I was struggling too much and had to retire in February 2016.

“All of the problems I have faced are incredibly frustrating and I can’t believe the problems I faced during my surgery. All I’ve ever wanted to know was why the issues happened and now, following the settlement, I am keen to just look forward and put this behind me.”