4:33pm Friday 5th March 2010
By Jenny Makin
POLICE chiefs say they are doing all they can to support a courageous officer whose leg was amputated following alleged failures by a Hampshire hospital.
PC Miles Wilson suffered the injury to his right leg after a freak accident while responding to an emergency call.
As revealed by the Daily Echo, the 37-year-old was taken to Southampton General Hospital but became seriously ill as his condition rapidly deteriorated – resulting in the loss of his leg.
Solicitors acting for the officer, appointed by Hampshire Police Federation, have now launched a legal bid against the hospital trust, claiming a series of delays resulted in the unnecessary amputation.
Their claims include how PC Wilson was allegedly left in agony for three days without diagnosis, told he couldn’t have a vital MRI scan because of a backlog of patients and staff allegedly didn’t treat him when he lost movement in his feet.
PC Wilson’s solicitors, Russell Jones & Walker, claim he went on to develop an infection and high temperature, suffering hallucinations and sickness and was eventually seen by a new doctor six days after he was admitted who became immediately concerned.
An urgent MRI scan was ordered which revealed a blockage in the artery behind his knee but urgent surgery was then allegedly delayed by other medics who said a theatre was not available for the emergency operation.
PC Wilson’s solicitors say they have since established there was in fact an operating room that could have been used.
Bosses at Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust say an internal review into the care given to PC Wilson is still underway however initial findings have been shared with the officer and his family.
The county’s police federation, which represents rank and file officers, is assisting PC Wilson with the legal action.
Vice chairman Jon Apter told the Daily Echo: “PC Miles Wilson suffered an injury while doing the job he loves. For that injury to have such devastating consequences is a tragedy that Miles will have to live with for the rest of his life.”
Colleagues within the force are also believed to be arranging fundraising events to raise cash for PC Wilson.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “PC Miles Wilson has shown tremendous courage throughout his ordeal.
“The injury he sustained in the course of his duty, while serving the community of Southampton, is understandably distressing.
“I applaud his determination to return to work and will ensure the constabulary does all it can to support him.”
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