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Woman to sue hospital after contracting MRSA

15/05/2008

A 71-year-old woman has won the right to claim damages from the NHS after she caught the superbug MRSA while at a Glasgow hospital.

The case of Elizabeth Miller is the first of its kind and could bring about many more similar claims.

Ms Miller was admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for an operation on October 18th 2001 and she was identified as having MRSA on October 30th.

She claims she was probably infected with MRSA after the operation via the unhygienic hands of a staff member and is seeking £30,000 in damages from Greater Glasgow NHS board.

Judge Lady Clark dismissed fears Ms Miller's case could open the "floodgates" for similar claims and ruled her case should go ahead.

"I do not consider that the number of claims would be a reason for denying a remedy," she added.

"If numerous claims existed, there may be merit in enabling litigation to be pursued to encourage hospitals to take reasonable care for patients to prevent infection with MRSA."

Ms Miller told the BBC that the MRSA infection has "ruined" her life.

"I spend most of my life sitting in a chair and depression is one of the worst things it has done," she added.

"I just feel my life will never be the same again. But if the case can prevent it happening to someone else that will be a bonus."