Up to 80% of NHS amputations caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) could have been prevented
A study by the University of Bristol has found that up to 80% of NHS amputations caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) could have been prevented — raising urgent questions about missed diagnoses and clinical negligence within the healthcare system.
The research exposes serious failings in early detection of PAD, a condition affecting blood circulation in the legs and feet. Delays in recognising symptoms mean patients are often only diagnosed when it’s too late – and amputation is the only option.
What Is PAD and Why Is It Being Missed?
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. It affects roughly 1 in 5 people over 60 in the UK, particularly those with a history of smoking, diabetes, or heart disease.
Typical warning signs include:
- Pain in the legs when walking
- Cold or numb feet
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers
- Weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet
Despite these clear symptoms, the UoB study suggests many GPs are failing to spot the signs early enough or are mistakenly diagnosing PAD as arthritis or other conditions. This can lead to critical delays in treatment and devastating outcomes for patients.
Preventable Harm – Amputations that may have been avoidable
In one case retired railway worker Bryan Hoggard was diagnosed with arthritis and his foot pain was not fully investigated. A scan of his arteries was only performed years later and attempts to repair the arteries were ultimately unsuccessful resulting in the need to amputate his leg from below the kneed.
In another example, Allan Gayner, a retired surgeon lost a limb after the symptoms of peripheral artery disease were not spotted. (Daily Mail, 7th Dec 2024).
How we can help
Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. The Bristol study highlights a wider pattern of avoidable amputations due to missed or delayed diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis or mismanagement of PAD can have life-altering consequences — and in many cases, may amount to clinical negligence.
If healthcare professionals fail to recognise clear symptoms of PAD, order appropriate diagnostic tests (e.g., Doppler ultrasound) and promptly refer patients to a vascular specialist the care could be found to be substandard and compensation recoverable.
At Middleton Law we specialise in clinical negligence claims involving delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and amputation.
If you or a loved one has been affected by these issues our expert solicitors can guide you through your legal options and help you seek compensation. Contact us today.
