The NHS has paid out compensation totalling almost £200,000 to women who have become pregnant or been injured after undergoing treatment to have a contraceptive device implanted.
The device, Implanon, consists of a tube which is implanted in the arm. It works by releasing hormones into the bloodstream; however, the device must be inserted carefully and at the correct time in order to be effective.
One of the cases that has been settled is that of Sarah Moss, who became pregnant after apparently having the contraceptive implanted. However, blood tests later showed that the device had never been inserted. Ms Moss did not realise she was pregnant until shortly before she gave birth to a daughter 18 weeks prematurely. She was told after the birth that her baby would not survive, and the child lived for just four hours.
A claim for the pain and suffering she had endured was made against the Primary Care Trust involved. This has now been settled for an undisclosed sum.
Other claims related to Implanon have been made on the basis of psychological damage, and one claim has been made for permanent scarring of the arm when the implant was removed.
It is unclear at this stage whether the ineffectiveness of the contraceptive device is related to medical negligence or issues to do with the product itself. Implanon has now been replaced by a similar product, Nexplanon, which is easier to insert and which can be detected by X-rays and CAT scans.
If you have suffered as a result of negligence by healthcare professionals, or been injured by a product that was not fit for the purpose for which it was intended, it may be possible to claim compensation. Contact us to discuss your case.