Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns that she had not consented to the operation as performed and had not consented to a spinal anaesthetic. Mrs C also complained that there was a lack of follow-up.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that Tayside NHS Board (the Board):
- (a) failed to obtain informed consent for spinal anaesthesia (upheld);
- (b) performed an operation which was different to the planned haemorrhoidectomy without appropriate explanation of the new procedure (upheld); and
- (c) failed to provide the necessary follow-up care and treatment (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mrs C for the failure to ensure she adequately understood and consented to the anaesthetic options; and
- (ii) use the events of this case and in particular Mrs C's experience, as part of induction and training programmes about the consent process.
The Board have accepted these recommendations and will act on them accordingly.