THE family of a Sandbach woman who died after high risk brain surgery during which a microscope failed have demanded an apology from hospital chiefs.

Solicitor's secretary Sally Williams, 57, was left brain damaged after the operation to treat two aneurysms by clipping them shut resulted in significant bleeding.

The mother-of-two, of Randle Bennett Close, died three days after the operation at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Her son Jonathan Williams, 35, of Bradfield Road, Crewe, spoke out after the inquest into her death.

He said: 'Although mum died in October 2002, the inquest was a harrowing ordeal bringing it all back to us at Christmas.

'She collapsed suddenly while at her friends. Within a couple of days we found out she needed brain surgery. We were worried, of course, about any physical reaction to brain surgery but in this day and age you would never expect equipment to fail.

'During the inquest we heard the microscope had been faulty during previous operations.

'We experienced anger and grief. Nothing will bring mum back but we

The inquest held at Hanley Town Hall heard the microscope became stuck on zoom during the operation. Surgeon Palitha Sri Lal Dias had to continue with restricted field of view, using his naked eye at times.

The jury recorded a rare narrative verdict stating Mrs Williams died as a result of surgery where 'defects in a surgical microscope may have contributed to the difficulties in controlling the bleeding once the aneurysm had ruptured.'

Mrs Williams, who also has a daughter, Joanne Nicholls living in Crewe, worked at the law firm Butcher and Barlow in Middlewich Road.

After being contacted by the Chronicle yesterday, a University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust spokesman admitted no written apology had been sent to the family but offered verbal sympathies.

He said: 'The Trust notes the conclusion of this week's inquest into Mrs Williams's death and will continue to co-operate fully with any ongoing investigations into this incident.

'The microscope involved in the operation has been replaced with new equipment and procedures have been reviewed and updated in light of this case.'