Newly released data shows that the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has paid out more than £1.6 million in compensation for gynaecology-related medical negligence claims over the past five years, highlighting increasing pressure on women’s healthcare services and growing concern about patient safety in the region.

According to figures obtained by Medical Negligence Assist, the Trust – responsible for both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital – has settled 23 gynaecology negligence cases since 2019. Compensation totalled £1,613,342, covering issues ranging from unnecessary pain to delayed diagnoses and additional surgical interventions.

This pattern mirrors national concerns, with reports from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) indicating that women across the UK are waiting longer for diagnosis and treatment, often experiencing worsening symptoms during delays.

Nationally, the data shows that the most common injuries leading to gynaecology negligence claims were:

• Unnecessary pain, affecting more than 1,300 women.
• Additional or unnecessary operations.
• Cancer-related issues, often connected to delayed or missed diagnoses.

The most frequently cited cause of litigation was “failure to warn – informed consent”, where patients were not properly informed about the risks or purpose of a treatment or procedure before consenting. This accounted for more than 1,300 cases across NHS trusts in the same time frame.

While the Hull Trust’s payouts exceed £1.6 million, the issue extends far beyond East Yorkshire:

• NHS trusts in Lincolnshire alone paid out nearly £2 million for gynaecology-related claims over five years.
• Trusts across Kent and Medway compensated patients more than £7 million for similar claims since 2019.
• Nationally, NHS trusts settled over 1,500 gynaecology negligence claims, with compensation approaching £150 million between 2019 and 2024.

These figures underscore what some medical experts describe as a “gynaecology care crisis,” driven by long waiting lists, delays in diagnosis, and the increased complexity of cases presenting at a later stage.

Dr. Kate Wood, Group Chief Medical Officer at NHS Humber Health Partnership, told Hull Live that the Trust is committed to learning from past cases and “making all possible improvements” to ensure high standards of patient care.

The Trust acknowledges the need for continuous improvement, especially as growing demand for gynaecological services continues to strain resources both locally and nationally.

Here at Williamsons Solicitors, we have experience of claims for gynaecological negligence. We recently acted for a young woman, Miss X, who successfully pursued a claim for damages arising from clinical negligence relating to a delayed diagnosis of a right ovarian torsion (when the ovary becomes twisted), which ultimately resulted in an avoidable removal of the right ovary (oophorectomy).

Due to the delayed diagnosis and the need for oophorectomy, Miss X would be unable to conceive naturally. Miss X hoped to have a family in the future and would need the use of donor eggs and IVF to achieve a pregnancy. She also entered premature menopause and required combined hormone replacement therapy until she reaches the natural age of menopause.

The negligence was devastating for Miss X, who also experienced significant psychological symptoms following her negligent treatment and was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder. In addition, she was left with an abdominal scar as a result of the avoidable surgery.

The case concluded successfully with a six-figure settlement, enabling Miss X to the treatment and support she needed to ultimately fulfil her dream of becoming a mother