Reports from the Health Services Ombudsman reveal Croydon Health Services NHS Trust was forced to pay £5,000 to a patient for causing blood clots after failing to administer medication.

The patient, referred to as Mrs V, had previously developed blood clots because the Trust failed to manage her anticoagulant medication.

Following the latest operation she asked to manage her own medication, but poor communication meant this was not relayed to her ward.

She was kept in overnight, but was not medicated properly.

Her husband told the Ombudsman: “My wife fully understands her need for correct daily medication … She “knows” her own body well,” adding he felt “petrified” and “helpless”.

She was readmitted to hospital and found to have blood clots. Mrs V had to use crutches for several weeks, and relied on her husband to do everything for her.

The couple were awarded £5000 for the mistake.

In total The Ombudsman’s report, released on Tuesday October 18, states 37 complaints were made about Croydon Health Services NHS Trust in 2010/11, with South London Healthcare NHS Trust, which deals with Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich, having 95.

A spokesman for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “This complaint relates to Mrs V’s hospital stay in 2008.

"Since then we have introduced new guidelines for prescribing anticoagulant medication.

“The Trust has accepted the Ombudsman’s findings, has apologised and agreed to pay £5,000 in July 2010 in recognition of the inconvenience and distress experienced by Mrs V and her family.”