Intensive Care cases
Sir Michael Caine, deceased (1999)
Blocked tracheostomy tube – cardiac arrest – severe neurological
damage – patient died – verdict of “misadventure”
Sir Michael Caine was diagnosed with cancer of the bowel. He was
advised to undergo surgery to remove the cancer. He did not do well
after the operation and he required artificial ventilation.
Approximately a month later, an anaesthetist indicated that his
breathing tube could be removed and that plans could be made for
him to come home. Unfortunately, at this stage his tracheostomy
tube became blocked and there was significant delay in clearing
this. He suffered a cardiac arrest and severe neurological damage.
He never regained consciousness.
Paul McNeil was instructed by Baroness Nicholson to represent
the family at the inquest. The Coroner pronounced a verdict of
“misadventure”. It became clear that the staff in the private
hospital were not adequately trained and that the anaesthetic
clinicians were sited at the local NHS hospital 10-15 minutes
away.
You can find out more information about how to make a clinical
negligence claim and how we can assist you on our clinical
negligence pages.