A HUDDERSFIELD mother-of-three has been left severely brain damaged after a routine operation went wrong.
The family of Susan Johnson have launched a fundraising campaign after the 44-year-old was left unable to move or communicate after a drug reaction at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
The tragedy happened at the day surgery unit.
The single mum, of Brock Bank, Dalton, was undergoing a routine laparoscopy - a medical investigation done under general anaesthetic using a small camera.
But when the anaesthetic was given, her heart rate slowed, cutting blood flow to her brain. Medics spent almost 30 minutes trying to revive her.
But during that time large sections of her brain died as it was starved of oxygen.
Susan, a former project officer for Kirklees Council's Joblink, on Upperhead Row, is now being cared for at HRI while medics assess the extent of her brain damage.
Her brother Lyndon Johnson, 42, of Bradley, said: "We can't believe what has happened to her. It is devastating.
"It is such a terrible shock. We go to the hospital everyday to see her. But she just lies there.
"It is a matter of just waiting to see if any sparks reappear in her brain. The doctors told us from the beginning that the prognosis was not very good."
Tests already carried out on Susan's brain have shown a low level of activity.
Lyndon added: "She was so outgoing and had just returned from a salsa dancing holiday in Cuba.
"She was very family orientated. Her kids always came first.
"It is absolutely terrible."
An investigation into what happened during the operation has been carried out by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust - responsible for HRI.
But the family feels many questions have been left unanswered.
Lyndon said: "We have heard conflicting stories and are still waiting to hear what really happened.
"All we want is the truth."
A spokeswoman for the health trust said: "The continuing care of Mrs Johnson and her family is paramount to the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust.
"An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mrs Johnson's operation has been completed and the family has been given a copy of the report."
A SPECIAL prayer service and fundraising day is being held in Rawthorpe on Sunday to raise cash for Susan Johnson.
An hour of prayer will take place from 9.30am to 10.30am at St James's Church, Rawthorpe Lane, for the mother-of-three.
A children's party will then be held from noon to 3pm at Rawthorpe Working Men's Club.
All the proceeds raised will be used to help fund equipment for Susan's future care.
Anybody wishing to raise money for the appeal can also contact Lyndon Johnson on 07795 363772.
