Failures admitted by Croydon Health Service NHS Trust after infection spread left woman needing surgery
A woman has received a five-figure settlement from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust after it admitted failing for months to properly treat a diabetic foot ulcer.
Posted on 11 December 2025
The woman, who we will refer to as Victoria, was left needing urgent surgery after the infection spread to the bone and had ongoing challenges with her mobility.
On 21 January 2020, Victoria received a home visit from a chiropodist for routine foot care, including toenail trimming and removal of hard skin. The chiropodist made an error, cutting Victoria’s left foot, but did not tell her what had gone wrong.
Victoria had neuropathy caused by diabetes, which meant nerves outside of her brain and spinal cord were damaged, so she did not feel pain in her hands and feet. This meant that she was not immediately aware of the injury. The following day, while showering, Victoria noticed bleeding from her foot and realised she had been cut. In the week that followed her heel became increasingly painful.
Victoria saw her GP on 5 February 2020. She was diagnosed with an infection and prescribed antibiotics, which slightly relieved her symptoms.
On 25 February 2020, Victoria was admitted to Croydon University Hospital for an unrelated issue. During her time in hospital, she repeatedly requested attention for her foot, but she was ignored and the infection worsened.
After being discharged on 9 March 2020, Victoria experienced severe pain, which left her unable to stand, walk, or sleep. District nurses visited three times a week to change dressings, but the infection continued to progress.
Victoria’s symptoms deteriorated further, and on 1 June 2020, Victoria’s son took her to the GP, who urgently referred her to hospital.
Tests revealed the infection had spread to the bone and Victoria was told she needed urgent surgery. Her recovery in hospital took more than three weeks on continuous antibiotics
After being sent home, she continued to suffer pain in her left foot and faced significant mobility challenges. Victoria instructed Nandi Jordan, a partner in the medical negligence team at law firm Leigh Day, to investigate her case.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust admitted liability and agreed to pay a settlement of £40,000 outside of court.
Medical negligence partner Nandi Jordan commented:
“There are well known and extensive guidelines for treating diabetic foot ulcers, but sadly for my client, these were not adhered to. This negligence caused my client to suffer immensely. I am glad that Croydon Health Services NHS Trust admitted liability and settled this claim without a trial.”
Darragh Coffey of 1 Crown Office Row was instructed as counsel.
Nandi Jordan
Nandi Jordan is a partner in the medical negligence department.
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