Chissell v Poole Hospital NHS Trust

[1998] Lloyd's Rep Med 357

BOURNEMOUTH COUNTY COURT

and Her Honour Judge BONVIN

Professional liability — Obstetrics and gynaecology — Failed vacuum termination of pregnancy — Probable removal of one of pair of twins — Survivor hidden behind first in uterus or in another horn or section of uterus, where it was protected from catheter — No indication that pregnancy might be a twin pregnancy — Evidence that instances of one twin surviving termination of pregnancy were rare events, whereas missed abortion a common gynaecological problem — Whether decision not to call for scan, or other specific follow-up of operation, was negligent — Whether surgeon fell below standard of reasonably competent careful and skilful consultant gynaecologist in failing to make such arrangements