Trust failed to replace faulty pacemaker lead quickly enough

Summary 233 |

When Mr A experienced ongoing dizziness, there was an unacceptable delay before the Trust replaced a pacemaker lead that had been diagnosed as faulty.


What happened

Mr A was fitted with a pacemaker. He experienced various symptoms, including dizziness, and had tests to resolve these.

Mr A remained unwell, despite adjustments to his pacemaker and the lead. His symptoms significantly diminished after the Trust replaced the pacemaker lead.

What we found

The Trust provided reasonable cardiac care to Mr A throughout the period in question, with the exception of the undue delay replacing the faulty lead.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised to Mr A and paid him £750 in recognition of the impact its actions had had on his quality of life. It also drew up plans to make sure the mistakes were not repeated.

Health or Parliamentary
Health
Organisations we investigated

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust

Location

Essex

Complainants' concerns ?

Replied with inaccurate or incomplete information

Result

Apology

Compensation for non-financial loss

Taking steps to put things right