The family of a man who died after a routine medical procedure went wrong has won £12,000 in compensation.

Alun Stanton, 71, was admitted to East Glamorgan Hospital complaining of shortness of breath and was diagnosed with pneumonia. His family was told that a chest drain would be inserted in order to help him breathe. It was understood that this was a routine procedure and there was no threat to Mr Stanton’s life. Just two days later, however, Mr Stanton died.

At the inquest, it was found that the chest drain had been placed too low, causing Mr Stanton to suffer a ruptured spleen and massive internal bleeding.

Initially, Cwm Taf NHS Trust denied liability for Mr Stanton’s death, but later admitted that a mistake had been made, after Mr Stanton’s family pursued a legal claim against it. The Trust issued a formal apology and agreed a settlement of £12,000. This included £10,000 in bereavement compensation and the payment of funeral costs.