A WOMAN has been left in constant pain after a series of botched operations, it has been revealed.

A 42-year-old from Mold had surgery at the Countess of Chester Hospital on her right foot to correct overlapping and inward-facing toes.

But surgery by podiatric surgeon Lancel Hogg in March 2004 damaged a joint and left her big toe too short, severely affecting her balance.

Mr Hogg attempted to correct the errors in two further operations but the woman has now been left with a misshapen foot and chronic pain which has now spread to her leg.

Mr Hogg was investigated by the Health Professionals’ Council following a complaint but the hearing was “vacated” after the parties reached an agreement.

As a result Mr Hogg did not face disciplinary action.

When the patient complained about her treatment Mr Hogg alleged she had injured her foot during post-operative care.

Settled out of court, Western Cheshire NHS Primary Care Trust admitted liability and agreed to pay the patient a substantial amount of compensation to assist her with her daily care needs, adapt her home and provide equipment to assist in mobility, including her scooter and adapted car.

She said: “My life since the operation has changed completely.

“I have to use a stick or crutches to walk long distances and I have to use the mobility scooter when shopping.

“I can’t wear ordinary shoes, I have interrupted sleep and I can’t really do any cooking because I can’t stand for any period of time, nor can I do the gardening.

“As a previously active person my social life has totally diminished and I can’t take part in leisure activities like I used to.

“My concentration is poor, I suffer from Chronic Pain Syndrome so simple pleasures such as reading is hard, I’ve taken up clay modelling as a hobby because at least I can sit down when I do it.”

The woman manages her pain using a spinal cord stimulator.

Paul Sankey, partner and clinical negligence solicitor at Russell Jones and Walker which handled the case, said: “The impact of this disastrous surgery has been devastating.

“An award of damages cannot turn the clock back nor take away this woman’s pain, but it can help her to meet the very considerable financial costs arising from her disability.”

A Western Cheshire NHS Primary Care Trust spokesman said: “The treatment was provided through Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Care Trust which no longer exists.

“Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust, its successor, came into existence in October 2006.

“An early admission of liability was made on behalf of the former PCT for podiatric procedures which on this occasion had not been performed to the appropriate standard, with the result that the outcome was not such as the patient had the right to expect.”

PCT bosses said they could not comment on the investigation by the Health Professionals Council.