IPSWICH: A 76-year-old woman is today seeking compensation from Ipswich Hospital after claiming an alleged surgical error left her in substantial pain.

Legal proceedings are expected to begin today following claims that a mistake was made during an operation, which caused the patient, June Lambert, from Needham Market, so much pain that she is unable to walk without sticks and has a swollen lower right leg and foot.

Mrs Lambert had suffered with knee pain for around five years and had tried non-surgical remedies without any lasting success.

She finally underwent surgery to replace her right knee at Ipswich Hospital in November 2007.

Tom Cook, a clinical negligence specialist at Kester Cunningham John Solicitors, who is representing Mrs Lambert, said: “The knee replacement itself was successful but during the course of the operation damage was inflicted on the arteries, veins and nerves to the rear of her thigh leaving Mrs Lambert with reduced mobility and constant pain that she has suffered for the past two and a half years.

“She is bringing a legal claim partly for the pain and suffering and loss of quality of life that has resulted from the injury, and partly because she is no longer able to do many of the things that she was able to do before the surgery, such as housework and gardening. I am confident we will succeed in securing compensation.”

The claim was being lodged at the High Court in London today.

An Ipswich Hospital spokeswoman said: “We will look into these allegations but if legal proceedings are active, we cannot comment on this case.”