The family wanted answers to their questions

Her condition worsened and she died four weeks later of septicaemia and peritonitis caused by the perforated ulcer.

The family has said it is not the money that is important but simply getting answers to their questions about the case.

Her husband Raymond Parnham said: "To end up going in there on the Tuesday and having her not come out again is something I just can't forgive and can't forget."

"We were together for 28 years, we had been happy. But they have left me with nothing, nothing at all," he said.

Other complaints

The NHS trust which runs the Pilgrim Hospital has issued a statement saying: "We have offered Mr Parnham our unreserved apologies.

"The care that his wife received did not meet the standard she was entitled to receive."

Mrs Parnham's death has been highlighted by consultant Mohammed Al-Fallouji, a former surgeon at the hospital.

Mr Al-Fallouji alleged in 1998 and again in 1999 that people had died at the hospital because untrained or junior staff were dealing with cases they were not qualified to handle.

He has since been dismissed from the hospital.

A hospital statement said his dismissal was not related to the issues he had raised.