The family of a man who died from a stroke sues Barwon Health

The family of a Grovedale man who died from a stroke has filed a lawsuit against Barwon Health, alleging the hospital incorrectly reported his CT scans were “unremarkable”.

The family of a man who died from a stroke is suing Barwon Health for medical negligence Picture: Alan Barber

The family of a man who died from a stroke is suing Barwon Health for medical negligence causing personal injury and loss,after the hospital allegedly incorrectly recorded a CT scan of his brain as “unremarkable”.

About two days after falling and hitting his head on a tap at his home, 58-year-old John Curtois presented to the Geelonghospital emergency department on May 30, 2022, with complaints of a headache.

Barwon Health referred Mr Curtois for a CT scan of his brain, which he underwent the day he was admitted.

The results were sent to ­Everlight Radiology and Dr Neil Murphy, who are also defendants in the lawsuit.

That same day, Dr Murphy reported the CT scan showed there was no evidence of bleeding or fractures, but that Mr Curtois waspotentially experiencing mild sinusitis.

According to a writ filed by Slater and Gordon Lawyers on behalf of Mr Curtois’ former partner, Leanne, Barwon Health recordedMr Curtois’ CT scan as “unremarkable” and diagnosed him with “post-concussion syndrome”, discharging him from its care.

The family of a man who died from a stroke is suing Barwon Health for medical negligence Picture: Alan Barber

On June 2, Barwon Health conducted a review of the CT scan, which revealed evidence of a possible “subarachnoid haemorrhage”– bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues that cover the brain.

The hospital contacted Leanne about 8am on June 2, and requested that she bring Mr Curtois back in for an urgent review.

An hour later, Mr Curtois was found unconscious on the floor of his home, and he was rushed to Geelong hospital by ambulance.

Mr Curtois was transferred to The Alfred hospital, where he underwent two surgeries.

Mr Curtois’ family was advised by a medical practitioner at The Alfred that his brain injury was “not survivable or that ifhe continued to live he would have a major disability”, according to the writ.

On June 5, Mr Curtois was taken off life support and he died on June 6.

Leanne and Mr Curtois’ children – the four plaintiffs – are suing Barwon Health for damages, for “pain and suffering and economicloss”.

“The plaintiffs have suffered injury, loss and damage as a result of the medical care and management provided by the defendants,” the writ says.

Barwon Health chief medical officer Ajai Verma said: “Barwon Health would like to express our condolences to Mr Curtois’ familyfor their loss.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality care for everyone in our community­.

“Barwon Health has not been served with a writ and as this matter is before the courts, we are unable to comment further­.”

Originally published as The family of a man who died from a stroke sues Barwon Health