http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/st ... t-458.htmlQuote:
The high commissioner of Cameroon is suing the Ottawa Hospital and four of its doctors for $30 million, alleging malpractice and negligence by staff there led to his wife suffering brain damage and losing her limbs.
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She was admitted to Ottawa Hospital's Civic Campus emergency room in October 2009, complaining of body aches and saying she felt weak and feverish. Within 72 minutes of arriving, she was sent home with Tamiflu medication, the couple's statement of claims says.
But it was a misdiagnosis, the document alleges, and the patient was actually suffering from endocarditis — an inflammation of an inner chamber of her heart. The condition often arises following a mitral valve replacement, a procedure that she had undergone in 2004.
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Early detection can prevent crippling effects. But by the time the couple knew what was really wrong, it was too late, they allege in their statement of claim.
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The ambassador claims to have mentioned the 2004 mitral valve replacement during a physical examination by a Ottawa Hospital doctor, named in the suit as Dr. Bruce Cload.
"Before his wife was discharged, Solomon specifically asked Dr. Cload if he had taken Mercy’s heart condition into account and Dr. Cload answered that he had taken it into account," the statement says.
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Mercy's condition worsened upon being initially discharged. Two days later, spots appeared on her hands and the soles of her feet. She was unable to eat and was extremely fatigued, the statement of claim says.
It was at this point that Solomon contacted an American doctor, who urged that she be admitted to hospital as soon as possible and could be possibly suffering from endocarditis.
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The couple, who declined to comment, are claiming $25 million for future care costs, $2 million for medical bills and $3 million to cover future loss of income, as Mercy is unlikely to be able to work again.
The loss of future income is based on her professional standing as a geologist.