A six-figure sum of compensation has been paid to a woman who claims the surgery she had on her back left her in a worse position than she had been in beforehand.

The unnamed 49-year-old went to see a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the University Hospital of North Tees in 2001 when she began experiencing problems with slipped discs, the Evening Gazette reports.

It was suggested that she should have a disc replacement operation, which she agreed to and which was carried out in 2003.

However, the patient claims that she has been left with nerve damage and mobility problems that she did not have before the operation and launched a legal battle for compensation.

"I was assured it would put things right, obviously it did not," the woman commented, adding that it has knocked her confidence and rendered her unable to work.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has now agreed an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum, but did not admit liability.

Clinical negligence occurs when a professional in the health service provides care that is judged to be below standard and this causes physical injury, death or distress.

Anyone affected should seek the advice of a legal representative.