'I didn't expect to be broken' says mum given £100K payout after surgery left her in constant pain

Twenty-five women have received compensation from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board following gynaecological surgery carried out by a single surgeon - with one saying the ongoing pain is like someone "twisting a knife" inside them.

S4C’s current affairs programme Y Byd ar Bedwar has been investigating the work of gynaecological surgeon Derek Klazinga.

He was employed by Betsi health board and the previous North Wales health trusts between 2002 and 2016. Originally from South Africa, he worked at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Gwynedd.

Mr Klazinga said he had "sincerest sympathy" that the women have had to endure such physical and psychological pain but said this had been down to "what we now know to be, defective medical products".

One patient, who was not named, said the daily pain was like someone "twisting a knife" inside them.

"It's horrific. He has destroyed my body," they added.

Y Byd ar Bedwar has spoken to seven women in north Wales who have received compensation since 2015 after undergoing surgery by Mr Klazinga. Between them, they say they have received more than £600,000. Several said they did not consent to the procedures they received, while most described chronic pain that has had a profound impact on their lives.

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Source: North Wales Live, 10 February 2026