NHS Fife Apologizes for Surgical Oversight Leading to Patient Harm

NHS Fife has issued an apology following a serious oversight during surgery, where doctors failed to identify a tumour on a patient’s vagus nerve. This error has resulted in significant complications for the individual, including stomach paralysis, which has caused food and liquid to remain in the stomach for extended periods, as well as vocal cord palsy.

A formal complaint was lodged with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), which subsequently sought advice from an independent ear, nose and throat consultant. The investigation revealed that the care provided by NHS Fife was deemed “unreasonable” due to a lack of recognition regarding the lesion’s involvement with the vagus nerve. Furthermore, there was inadequate communication regarding the risks and consequences of the surgery with the patient prior to the procedure.

The SPSO stated, “We considered that it should have been made clearer to [the patient] that the surgery was likely to lead to injury or loss of function of the nerve.” The ombudsman also noted that the circumstances warranted the initiation of the duty of candour process, which was not followed, indicating a failure to acknowledge the shortcomings in care.

As a result of the findings, the patient’s complaint was upheld, and NHS Fife was instructed to formally apologise for its failings. The SPSO emphasized the importance of careful consideration regarding similar tumours in future cases, as well as ensuring that patients receive clear explanations of the risks associated with their treatment.

Gillian McAuley, director of nursing at NHS Fife, expressed regret over the incident. “We strive to provide all patients with the highest standard of care, and in this instance, we accept that aspects of the care we provided fell short of those high standards,” she said. “We have formally apologised to the patient, and we are working to implement the recommendations from the SPSO to ensure that lessons are learned and the necessary improvements are made.”

This incident highlights the critical need for clear communication and thorough assessment in medical procedures, particularly when dealing with complex cases involving nerve-related surgeries. NHS Fife is now under scrutiny to enhance its protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future.