Twenty-Nine-Year-Old Instructs Medical Negligence Lawyers To Investigate

A Staffordshire woman suffered a life-changing stroke after a GP practice failed to stop her contraceptive pill when she complained of migraines.

Danielle Jones attended the practice on 7 October, 2020, reporting intense headaches, nausea and sensitivity to light, as well as aura – visual disturbances.  She was advised to monitor her symptoms.

Six months later, Danielle, from Rugeley, began complaining of pins and needles and loss of sensation down her left side.  She collapsed, and CT and MRI scans found she had suffered a stroke.

Business development executive asks legal experts for help

Following her diagnosis, she instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care and help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires as part of her recovery.

Danielle, 29, is now joining her legal team in sharing her story as part of World Stroke Day.

GP practice admits ‘failure’ and apologises for ‘shortcomings in care’

They’re also calling for lessons to be learned after the GP practice, through NHS Resolution, admitted that there was “a failure to cease” Danielle’s combined contraceptive pill when she attended on 7 October 2020.  It also admitted that, on the balance of probability, had the pill been stopped, Danielle’s stroke on 4 April 2021 “would have been avoided” and said it was “very sorry for the shortcomings in care provided.”

It added that under UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use guidelines, a migraine with aura at any age of a person taking the pill was classed as a category four incident – the highest rating.  This means that it “represents an unacceptable health risk and should not be prescribed.”

In a letter to Danielle, the practice apologised for the “error” and stated it was “committed to learning, improving the quality of care and reducing the risk of this type of incident happening again.”

Tom Fletcher is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Danielle.

Expert Opinion

“The past three-and-a-half years have been incredibly difficult for Danielle as she tries to come to terms with having had a stroke at such a young age and how this has impacted her life.

“While nothing will ever change what she’s been through, we welcome the GP practice’s admission and confirmation that it intends to learn lessons from what happened.

“We’re now working with the practice to reach a settlement which will ensure Danielle receives the specialist care and support she needs to maximise her recovery.

“In the meantime, her story outlines the devastating consequences of stroke and how it’s vital that patient safety is improved to help prevent others from suffering like Danielle.

“Danielle’s case, in particular, highlights the importance of patients being under a doctor’s care when it comes to the contraceptive pill. It’s now readily available on the high street, with people able to pick it up from their local chemist, and there’s a potential for this to cause issues for those taking it if they aren’t appropriately monitored.” Tom Fletcher

World Stroke Day: Danielle's story

Prior to her stroke, Danielle, who lives with her parents, worked as a business development executive. She went to the gym twice a week and enjoyed socialising with friends.

Following her diagnosis, she underwent a phased return to work. However, she suffers fatigue and memory problems which affect her daily. She also suffers with physical injuries arising from the Stroke which are currently being investigated further.  Understandably, this has taken a significant toll on her mental health. She is engaged and relies heavily on her fiancé, Stuart aged 29, and parents, Mark and Kerry aged 60 and 56, for support.

Woman raises awareness of stroke risk associated with contraceptive pill now available without prescription

Danielle said: “I’d never heard of anyone having a stroke at my age, so it came as a huge shock when I was told what had happened and it took a long time for me to comprehend what it could mean for my future.

“I had always enjoyed working out and seeing friends, but after the stroke I found it a lot tougher.  Some days, I even struggle to just get out of the house and my mental health has really dipped as a result.

“I’m so thankful for the support I’ve had, but to this day I still wonder how different things would have been if my pill had have been stopped when it should have been.

“Sadly, I can’t change anything, but I wanted to share my story and the signs to look out for.  Not for one minute did I ever think my contraceptive pill could lead to a stroke, so I’m sure there are others out there also unaware.

“While I know I’ll never fully be the same as I was before the stroke, all I want now is to get back to living my life as best I can.”

Signs of stroke and support available

The main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly and may include:

• face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile
• arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm
• speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused

The easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.

World Stroke Day is on 29 October.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by stroke at the dedicated section on our website.  Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.