THE family of a woman who died after her doctor’s surgery failed to properly monitor her drug prescription have accepted a £5,000 out of court settlement.

Barbara Wilson, 67, who was a resident at Woodland Care Home, in Bishop Auckland, died in hospital of bronchial pneumonia in November, 2009.

An inquest earlier this year heard she had high levels of the drug lithium, prescribed by staff at Auckland Medical Group in Bishop Auckland, which caused the pneumonia.

At the time, Coroner Andrew Tweddle concluded that Mrs Wilson had not taken an overdose of the drug.

The inquest heard she was prescribed a 1,000mg dose, increased to 1.3mg in 2008 before being reduced to 800mg.

However Auckland Medical Group staff were meant carry out a blood test every three months to avoid excessive lithium buildup.

But in 2009 she only had tests in April and November. The tests due to be taken in August were missed because of a clerical error at the surgery.

Dr Santhil Nathan, of the surgery, told the inquest new rules were in place to avoid any repeat of the situation.

Mrs Wilson’s family took legal action against Auckland Medical Group and revealed last night they had accepted an out-of-court settlement.

Her daughter, Carolyn Atwell, said: “We felt strongly that my mum was let down and feared that the same would happen to others.

“She was exposed to lethal levels of lithium by the very people who should have made sure she was cared for.

“The whole family was determined that no one else suffered the same fate.”

Leanne Couzens, of Thompsons Solicitors who acted for the family, said: “Mrs Wilson was a vulnerable person whose family trusted that she was being given the best possible care.

Auckland Medical Group last night declined to comment.