Hospital pays £2.4m to artist who had stroke

A LONDON hospital trust has paid almost £2.4million in damages to an Italian sculptor left permanently disabled by its failure to spot he was suffering from meningitis.

The family of Ettore Napoli said they felt "betrayed beyond a shadow of a doubt" by the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington. The 33-year-old is now unable to work and has problems communicating.

In 2003, he visited the hospital twice suffering from a high fever, malaise and pain. He was told he probably had a urinary tract infection and a virus, given antibiotics and sent home. He returned to Princess Royal, which is part of Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust, in a worsening condition three days later and was admitted.

His lawyers said he was not properly examined and not given the correct medication. Over a few days Mr Napoli, who was working as a waiter in London, deteriorated. He developed paralysis on one side of his body and began to have fits. He was moved to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery where he was found to have suffered a severe stroke as a result of inadequately treated meningitis.

His family says he should have been given antibiotics intravenously, the most effective treatment, but was given them in pills. They believe he was treated "with contempt" as he spoke little English.

Mr Napoli still has severe weakness down the right side of his body which affects the use of his right hand. The case was due to go to court in March but a settlement was agreed and approved by the High Court.

Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust admitted Mr Napoli was not given intravenous antibiotics but said they would not have stopped the seizure.