Hospital Trust Apologises for Shortcomings in Harborough Man’s Care

A dad from Great Bowden is calling for lessons to be learned after a Hospital Trust admitted a two-week delay in treating him for a serious spinal condition which can leave people paralysed.

After 42-year-old Massimo Mattera (pictured top with his family) attended A&E locally in October 2018, complaining of back pain and right-sided numbness, it was suspected he had cauda equina syndrome; a rare condition which compresses the nerves of the spinal cord.

Mr Mattera in hospital

Following a scan at the Leicester Royal Infirmary the next day, confirming this, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have now conceded he should have been listed for urgent decompression surgery, rather than being discharged home to wait.

Another visit to A&E, a fortnight later, then resulted in this surgery being carried out, but continuing symptoms five years on mean Massimo has still been unable to return to work.

A statement from Katie Sheahan, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who’ve been representing Mr Mattera, says:

“The past five years have been incredibly difficult for Massimo, firstly developing cauda equina syndrome and then finding out that he should have undergone decompression surgery sooner.

“While rare, cauda equina syndrome is incredibly serious and can lead to life-changing health problems. Early detection and treatment are key to making the best recovery possible.

“While we can’t turn back the clock and change what Massimo has been through, we welcome the Trust’s admissions. It’s now vital that lessons are learned to help prevent others from suffering similarly in the future.

“We continue to support Massimo to help him access the specialist support and rehabilitation he now requires because of the issues in his care.”