A 20-year-old woman has filed a judicial protest against St James and Mater Dei hospitals claiming compensation after she had been "negligently misdiagnosed" and this almost claimed her life.

She had spent some time in critical condition after a fierce infection spread throughout her body.

Claiming that the situation could have easily been avoided by the administration of the correct medicines had she been examined "diligently and correctly”, the woman called on the hospital authorities to compensate her for the damages she suffered.

Lojin Brijieh, an Indian national who lives in San Gwann, explained that she went to St James Capua Hospital on October 8 complaining of back pain. After she was examined and had an X-Ray taken, the doctor sent her home, telling her to take Catafast, a painkiller.

Five days later, however, the pain intensified so she went straight to Mater Dei Hospital where she was examined by four different doctors at the Emergency Department. She was sent home after having been diagnosed with muscle spasm.

The following day, the situation worsened and she was transported to hospital by ambulance, arriving at Mater Dei unconscious. She was operated upon immediately and placed on the danger list because of a septic shock - a life-threatening infection normally caused by bacteria. She had to receive two operations.

The woman, through her lawyer Stefano Filletti, argued that had she been properly diagnosed and given the correct medicines to counter the infection, the situation could have been easily avoided.

Now, the woman was still suffering from complications following the misdiagnosis and had to undergo further surgical interventions.

Dr Filletti said an official legal letter sent to St James and Mater Dei hospitals as well as to Health Minister Konrad Mizzi was ignored. In it he asked for the medical file and for their explanation on this misdiagnosis.

He, therefore, filed the judicial protest, warning of further action if required.

 

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