Medical Negligence Lawyers Helping 51-Year-Old Establish Answers

A Welsh Dad who had his left eye removed and lost his sight due to a fungal infection has asked lawyers to investigate whether he could have avoided surgery had it been diagnosed sooner.

John Gwilliam was seen at Ysbyty Cwm Rhondda Hospital in Tonypandy on 11 May, 2021, with blurred vision and inflammation in his left eye.

He underwent tests and was started on treatment for a presumed viral infection.

Subsequent tests returned negative, however, and antibiotics were administered for a possible bacterial infection.

Porth man continues to struggle with vision

Over the next few months, John, from Porth, spent a prolonged amount of time as an inpatient and continued to struggle with his vision. He complained of disturbances, flashes, hallucinations and extreme pain. He also noticed a black spot develop in his right eye.

John was transferred on 6th of August to a specialist Eye Hospital were further tests were carried out.

On 12 August, John had an emergency CT scan which found an aneurysm in his chest.  

Two days later, he underwent additional tests on his left eye which confirmed that he had a fungal infection.

Dad undergoes life-saving surgery

Concerns were raised over the infection spreading. As a result, on 16 August, surgery was carried out to remove John’s left eye under local anaesthetic.  Around two weeks later, he was airlifted to another specialist hospital undergo a further life-saving operation lasting 11 hours to repair the aneurysm.

Following his surgery, John, 51, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care under the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and whether the fungal infection could have been diagnosed and treated sooner saving his sight and removal of his eye.

James Pink is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing John.

Expert Opinion

“John is understandably devastated at losing much of his sight and his left eye, and he’s found it incredibly difficult to come to terms with what life is for him now.

“He’s heavily reliant on his family to care him and uses a cane for walking. He’s also struggling with the fact that he’s unlikely to be able to work again. In addition, John has a number of questions over whether more could have been done to identify the fungal infection earlier.

“While there’s nothing we can do to change what he’s been through, we’re now investigating John’s concerns and are determined to help provide him with the answers he deserves.” James Pink

Medical negligence: John Gwilliam's story

Prior to this, John worked as a Medical Technical Assistant. He’s now unable to continue in his role and is going through medical redundancy.

He has also now lost most of his sight in his right eye and is registered blind.  He requires aids to help him get around.

John lives with his wife, Bethan aged 43, stepdaughter Olivia, 19, and 14-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Samuel.  They support him with cooking, shopping, household chores and aspects of personal care.

John reveals he's unlikely to work again

John said: “I’ve always been a very independent person who worked to look after my family, and it’s been very hard to accept that I’m the one who now needs taking care of.

“Losing my sight, the removal of my left eye and having to undergo lifesaving surgery has been nothing short of traumatic for me and my loved ones. It’s difficult not to think whether or not it could have been avoided if the infection had been diagnosed sooner but I really wish it had been.

“My life has completely changed in the last three years, and I really wouldn’t have got through it without my family; for their continued support, I’m incredibly grateful.  

“I know nothing can change my condition, but I just want some answers. I feel it’s the least I deserve. I really hope the Health Board will learn from what has happened to me and this doesn’t happen to anybody else.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in establishing answers for individuals and families with care concerns at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500100.