DOCTORS at Frimley Park Hospital have admitted a series of errors that left a scientist brain damaged, paralysed and unable to work.

Colin Freeman, 44, a father-of-three from Farnham, was this week awarded an undisclosed settlement from the NHS totalling more than £1m.

Mr Freeman, who worked as an aviation scientist at Farnborough defence company Qinetiq, was admitted to Frimley Park Hospital in December 2004 after being referred by his GP.

However, during his 10-day stay, a catalogue of staff errors and hospital procedure failures meant a serious underlying heart infection was left undetected, his solicitors said.

Three weeks later he suffered a stroke at home at the age of only 39 and was admitted to intensive care.

The stroke left him paralysed on his left side, unable to work, suffering from epilepsy and reliant on a wheelchair.

Denied criticism

His wife, Iris Freeman, 45, then complained to the Frimley Park, which responded by initially denying any criticism and made no reference to the failure to perform a crucial investigation.

However, the hospital said it later admitted liability, in May 2007, and wrote to apologise to Mr Freeman.

After five years, Mr Freeman agreed to an out of court settlement.

Paul Sankey, a partner at solicitors Russell Jones and Walker, who represented Mr Freeman, said that the NHS had agreed to pay out a “seven-figure sum” to help pay for the cost of 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

“Having caused a stroke due to a lack of care, Frimley Park Hospital then neglected to admit its failings," Mr Sankey said.

"Had Iris believed what the hospital told her, Colin would not have pursued a claim and would still be struggling to manage without the care he desperately needs."

"Deep regret"

In a statement, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said it “deeply regrets” the mistakes made during Mr Freeman’s care.

“We are pleased that a settlement has now been reached, although of course we appreciate that no amount of financial compensation can restore Mr Freeman’s previous life,” he said.

The hospital said the huge payout came from NHS insurers and not directly from hospital funds, and therefore would not adversely affect the hospital's finances or patient care.

For more on this story, see the News & Mail, out on Friday, February 19.