Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns about the treatment he received at Monklands Hospital (the Hospital), which resulted in the removal of his right kidney. Mr C had been told by staff that it was suspected a lump on his right kidney was cancerous and that removal of the kidney was required. Following the operation, Mr C was advised by staff that the removed kidney was non-cancerous. Mr C had concerns that staff took the decision to remove the kidney without taking a biopsy of the lump and the manner in which he was informed of the pathology of the removed kidney.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) staff acted unreasonably in removing Mr C's kidney before a definitive diagnosis had been made on the suspected cancerous lump (not upheld); and
- (b) the manner in which Mr C was informed of the result of the pathology report of his removed kidney was insensitive (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Lanarkshire NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) reflect on the Adviser's comments in relation to the way in which the consent was documented and consider whether they need to make any changes to procedure; and
- (ii) make Mr C a further full and meaningful apology.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.