Prostate cancer patient who lost penis to flesh-eating bug wins six-figure NHS payout

A cancer patient who contracted a flesh-eating infection after a routine operation and was left with just an inch and a half left of his penis has been awarded a six-figure sum from the NHS.

Southend University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Essex has admitted that a delay in diagnosing potentially deadly necrotising fasciitis left 63-year-old Andrew Lane with life-changing injuries.

Mr Lane went to Southend Hospital, Essex in March 2013 for an operation to remove his prostate gland, but his bowel had been punctured during the procedure and staff did not notice for six days, his lawyers have said.

Mr Lane, from Thurrock in Essex, was rushed to theatre but medics could not prevent the loss of most of his penis.

He was also forced to have contaminated tissue covering his stomach removed, which he said has left him looking "nine months pregnant".

Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation settled in July for an undisclosed sum, solicitors Slater and Gordon said.

Mr Lane said: "They've admitted their mistake, but I've not had an apology and knowing that just a scan a few days earlier would have prevented all of this is very difficult to accept.

"I've been compensated, but I'll never get my health back and I just want other people to be aware of how dangerous this flesh-eating bug is.

"If you don't feel you are getting the right treatment, you have got to speak out."

Mr Lane, who married his long-term partner shortly after being discharged from hospital, can no longer have sex, is incontinent and has been treated for depression following the life-changing operation.

"My wife Sue and I have been together for 18 years and enjoyed a healthy sex life, but since this happened that has been impossible," he said.

"The desire is still there, but the little that's left just doesn't function anymore.

"It's been a difficult thing to come to terms with for both of us. I know Sue still loves me, but I do feel less of a man."

Mr Lane, who now works as a carer, added: "Because I have no muscle tissue my intestines just hang out and I look like I'm nine months pregnant.

"I'm at greater risk of hernias and I have two so I'm in constant pain.

"I used to be sporty and proud of my body, but now I can't bear to look in the mirror."

Denise Townsend, director of nursing at Southend University Hospital, said: "I can confirm that the Trust is in communication with Mr Lane regarding his case, a settlement sum has been agreed and that the Trust has admitted failures in relation to delays in Mr Lane's diagnosis."

Lawyer Tom Spearpoint, a clinical negligence specialist at Slater and Gordon, said: "Mr Lane has shown incredible strength and selflessness in speaking out to raise awareness of this rare but serious bacterial infection, which left untreated can be life-threatening.

"The impact has been devastating, both physically and emotionally, but the Trust's admissions have at least given him some closure and the means to get the care and support that he needs to move on with his life."

Additional reporting by PA