A hospital apologised to the family of a man who died due to a delay in emergency treatment six years ago.

Simon Brind, of Laburnum Way, Witham, was admitted to Colchester Hospital for treatment for sciatica in July 2007.

Two screws were inserted into his spine, which perforated his aorta, causing two-and-a-half litres of blood to leak into his abdomen. Emergency surgery was carried out but too late to save him.

Following an inquest in March 2011, deputy coroner Eleanor McGann said: “Surgery could have taken place an hour earlier and, if it had, it would have given Mr Brind a better chance of survival.”

His widow Ann and his family took legal action and an out of court settlement was reached with Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust.

Mr Brind's family said all they had really wanted was an apology and this week Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: “A letter of apology was not sent from the chief executive and the Trust is sorry if this caused any distress to Mrs Brind.

“It is entirely appropriate for the Trust to apologise to her on this occasion."