Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised concerns that she had an eye operation at Ayr Hospital (the Hospital) which was performed by a consultant surgeon (the Consultant) on the wrong eye (her right eye) and she has been left blind because of this. Mrs C also complained that correct procedures were not followed by the senior house doctor who obtained her consent for the operation.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mrs C was subjected to an eye operation, performed by the Consultant, on the wrong eye (her right eye) (not upheld); and
- (b) Mrs C was asked to sign a consent form for the operation which she could not see and the contents of the form were not read out to her (no finding).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) ensure that discussions with patients about treatment is recorded, particularly where a change to the planned operation is made. She also recommends that the Board ensure that the recognised complications arising from surgery are discussed with the patient and a record of the discussion made; and
- (ii) ensure that the Consultant makes certain that his procedure in obtaining consent from patients who are visually impaired is properly recorded in the clinical notes whenever it is followed.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.