awful story, so the poor patient has had both legs amputated now,
that was a terrible fine the surgeon received, only 2,000 quid or so, he should be struck off. Why did they rely on the patient to tell them which leg, if you read the story, surely they should have known. Medical negligence of the highest order, should see this surgeon get the sack.
so it effectively killed him, if i was the widow i would sue for every penny, though i guess if she settled out of court, then what else could be done.
This surgeon didn't cur off the wrong leg on purpose , be assured of that.
All surgeons have made a mistake in the operating theatre at some time in their career.
It is a complicated procedure to get a patient through the hospital doors and into the operating theatre and the identity of the patient and operative procedure is checked at least a dozen times before the knife goes in.
This was a simple mistake, multiplied with disastrous results.
Before we criticise the surgeon, we must know the results of the investigation, but whatever the reason the surgeon will have overall responsibility.
//It is a complicated procedure to get a patient through the hospital doors and into the operating theatre and the identity of the patient and operative procedure is checked at least a dozen times before the knife goes in//
makes you wonder how they picked the wrong leg out of a choice of two?
The last time I had surgery both the surgeon and anesthetiser came to my room before the op and introduced themselves and also checked my I’d. The site of the procedure was then marked on my body. All very precise and professional.
When I had a minor op (carpal tunnel) a few years ago in an orthopaedic hospital, I couldn't believe how many times they checked (even after marking it) which wrist was involved. Even in the op theatre the surgeon asked "Do you know which wrist I'm doing?"...I answered "the right one- as opposed to the left one - I hope".
"Ah good, we all agree! I'll start"....