SIXTEEN legal claims have been launched against Ipswich Hospital for a range of grievances including delays in the diagnosis of a brain tumour, a new report has revealed.

Between July 1 and September 30, claims were launched by patients for a range of issues including undergoing “inappropriate surgery” that resulted in tinnitus and partial deafness, failure to remove wire from a finger during surgery, and matters surrounding diabetic care during pregnancy.

The 16 claims include 15 clinical and one non-clinical and were made against the hospital in what is known as quarter two (Q2).

The report, written by Catherine Morgan, the trust’s associate director of nursing, adds: “This compares with 23 clinical claims and one non-clinical claim for the previous quarter.

“There was an increase in the number of claims received over Q3 and Q4 2011/12 resulting in an overall increase in the number of claims received in the financial year 2011/12. This increase reflects the national picture.

“In reviewing the number of claims received in a specified period, it is important to note the date of the incident. The dates of incidents giving rise to the claims received in this period span several years.”

A hospital spokeswoman said: “We work very closely with the NHS Litigation Authority and other legal colleagues and with members of the legal community to make sure that all claims are dealt with as speedily as possible and as thoroughly as possible.”

The report shows that seven claims were settled during the same Q2 period.

The paper, presented to the board of Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust at its meeting yesterday, also showed that in the same three-month period the trust received 153 complaints, including four high-level complaints.

The high-level complaints relate to three patients that died and one patient who “states that her operation was performed on the wrong side”.