Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised a number of concerns about surgery she underwent for removal of a breast tumour at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, (the Hospital) and about the subsequent radiotherapy treatment at the Beatson Oncology Centre (the Centre). She believed that both had been more extensive than she had been advised and that, as a result, she was at a greater risk of developing lymphoedema.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) on 24 March 2004 at the Hospital, during surgery to remove the tumour, all lymph nodes in Ms C's armpit were removed against her express wishes (partially upheld to the extent that consent was not correctly taken) ; and
- (b) during subsequent radiotherapy treatment at the Centre, the total armpit area was irradiated (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) when launching the new policy on consent, the Board arrange appropriate training for staff to ensure it is fully implemented and audit its implementation to confirm that it is being followed consistently; and
- (ii) the Board ensure that all staff are aware of the need to provide full explanations when responding to complaints and that staff dealing with complaints contact all appropriate staff for comment when doing so.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.