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Family's hospital payout anguish
THE family of a Scarborough woman, who died after contracting Legionnaires' Disease at Scarborough Hospital, are still fighting for compensation more than two years on.
Christine Hazelhurst, 41, of Holme Hill, Eastfield, died in November 2005 after drinking contaminated water which triggered a fatal bout of pneumonia.
A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: "They have taken someone's life and they have paid nothing for it. I want this case to be concluded. The family has not been given any closure on Christine's death. I think it is deplorable the way this has been handled and the effect it is having on the family. It appears to me that the NHS have washed their hands of the issue."
Mrs Hazelhurst was admitted to Scarborough Hospital following severe liver disease which, in turn, led to jaundice. She was discharged but then re-admitted four days later suffering from pneumonia.
Tests revealed she had Legionnaires' Disease. Mrs Hazelhurst died that day.
An inquest revealed that an old part of the hospital, where hot water pipes ran close to cold water pipes embedded in the wall, could have contributed to the outbreak.
Coroner Michael Oakley, who recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, said: "I am naturally very concerned about the situation with regard to the pipes.
"I would be happier, however, if money could be made available to ensure this could be eradicated."
Hospital chiefs installed five chlorine dioxide dosing units to clean the water including a kit to test for chlorine dioxide.
Mrs Hazelhurst's family's solicitors, Hepdonstalls of Goole, were unavailable for comment on the compensation battle.
Hospital spokesman Chris Coombs said: "The health trust cannot comment on individual aspects of litigant cases, except to say there are complex issues involved in the case.
"The trust is working with its solicitors and the solicitors acting for the family to resolve the outstanding issues as quickly as possible."
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