Miss D went to her doctor in Hampshire to have the contraceptive implant in her arm replaced but several weeks later discovered she was pregnant. She chose to terminate the pregnancy, and subsequently developed an infection. Miss D complained to the GP practice, asking for compensation. The practice apologised but told Miss D that they had been advised that there was no local mechanism for making financial remedy. Miss D then brought her complaint to us.

The implant manufacturer’s instructions state that it is possible to insert the implant incorrectly and that GPs should palpate the implant to confirm its presence in the arm. Following Miss D’s pregnancy, tests showed that there was no implant in her arm and our investigation found that her doctor had failed to confirm that it was correctly inserted. As a direct result of this Miss D became unintentionally pregnant and had a termination that caused her significant pain, distress and anxiety. The practice apologised to Miss D and paid her £15,000 for the pain, distress and inconvenience caused.