A MOTHER of two has hit out at health bosses after claiming she was left fighting for her life when medics failed to diagnose a collapsed lung.

Asthma sufferer Catherine Box (pictured), 30, says she may soon have no choice but to drop the legal battle she started in 1994 if legal aid support is withdrawn.

The claim against Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust follows a visit to the casualty department in Blackburn where she complained of severe chest pains but was allegedly sent home and told to take pain killers.

Two days later she says she was rushed into a hospital when a friend found her on the floor at home.

She said it was discovered that her lung had burst and she was treated with oxygen and a drip for a week at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

Catherine, of Albany Road, Revidge, Blackburn, said: " I feel disgusted at the way I have been treated. It's a matter of principle now not the money. I am lucky to be alive and I still suffering health wise.

"The cost of carrying on with the legal case could turn out to be too high. They have offered an inconvenience pay-out but I really don't want to accept it. What I want is a proper apology and not just to be treated like a number." Catherine's solicitor. Desmond Draper at Farleys Solicitors, Blackburn, added: "Mrs Box is still on legal aid and we are awaiting the reply from the health authority regarding a settlement. The claim hasn't cost her anything so far but it could well do if the offer made is not accepted and legal aid is withdrawn."

A spokeswoman for the chief executive of Blackburn Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, John Thomas, said: "As far as the trust is concerned the case is still ongoing. Because of this we are unable to comment further."

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