Overall, they noted his wound had “healed well” and he was discharged again.
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Two weeks later, he claims he went to his GP and complained of pain to his foot for the first time.
The writ does not detail any action his GP took, but said he noted down Hurley’s high blood pressure and the fact his wound was weeping.
Hurley went back to Fremantle Hospital for his six-week post-operative review, where doctors noticed there had been some separation of the edges on the wound.
Hurley was told to change his dressings every three to four days, and they’d review his injury again in two weeks.
Just two days later, Hurley’s pain began to worsen, and he was admitted again to hospital.
On this occasion, staff noted his foot was “hot, red and swollen”, with pus and signs of cellulitis.
“The attending medical officer formed the impression that the plaintiff was suffering sepsis secondary to right lower limb cellulitis,” the writ reads.
Hurley began to develop septic shock, and he was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for urgent surgery.
There, it was determined he had “abundant growth of streptococcus dysgalactiae and scanty growth of staphylococcus aureus”, according to the claim.
It was recommended they amputate Hurley’s right leg below the knee.
Lawyers for Hurley claimed he suffered personal injury, loss and damage as a result of the negligence of South Metropolitan health staff and his local GP, following his first admittance to hospital in May.
Hurley has claimed damages in the WA Supreme Court.
The South Metropolitan Health Service spokeswoman declined to comment.
They have yet to lodge a defence.
Hurley was also contacted for comment through his lawyers.
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