Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns about the hernia surgery which he had and about his post-operative nursing care.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mr C was asked by nursing staff to walk too early after his first operation (not upheld);
- (b) Mr C was asked by nursing staff to walk unaided despite the fact that he complained of numbness in his leg (upheld); and
- (c) Mr C’s operations were not carried out with a reasonable degree of skill (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board apologise to Mr C for the distress caused to him with regard to complaint (b). She also suggests that relevant staff are reminded of the importance of adequate documentation of the pre-operative consent process.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.