THE family of a man who had to have his leg amputed after surgery went wrong have been given a payout for damages three years after his death.

But despite the financial settlement, heartbroken relatives of David Ballantine, who managed Woolworths in Dovercourt in the 1980s and 90s, say they have still not received an apology.

Mr Ballantine, of Hewitt Road in Ramsey died in 2012 just three months after he underwent a routine vascular operation to increase blood flow in his right leg.

During surgery the wire and balloon, which are passed through an artery, became trapped and coiled.

The damage caused a large blood clot, which cut off the circulation.

As a result the 70-year-old had to undergo an amputation of his right leg, which was initially below the knee, but which then had to be extended above the knee.

His daughter, Laura Ballantine, said: "From the minute the procedure took place, my father knew something had gone wrong.

"I rushed back from London to see him at the hospital, only to be met by medical staff with concerned expressions and nobody really explaining what had happened.

"My Father was in extreme agony."

Before his death, Mr Ballentine started legal action against the hospital over the incident, which his family then took over on his behalf.

Laura added: "I hope that this kind of incident and level of care does not happen to others.

"It is a shame that there are amazing staff in the hospital.

"The whole situation is heartbreaking and I have no faith left in the hospital."

Jon Nicholson, of Anthony Gold Solicitors, who acted on behalf of the family, said: "This was a tragic case in which Mr Ballantine was in great pain and discomfort for the final months of his life.

"We hope Colchester University NHS Trust does all it can to learn from the serious complications that occurred."

A five figure sum of compensation has now been paid to the family in an out-of-court settlement.

A spokesman for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: "We would like to pass on our condolences and sympathy to the family of Mr Ballantine following his death in June 2012.

“We are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with his family.”