Mrs D was concerned that the surgeon who carried out a second operation on her abscess had not done the operation properly. She felt that this had led to her being seriously ill for a long time."
What happened
Mrs D said her treatment was not as good as it should have been. She had more operations than she had originally needed, had a longer recovery period, and was left with ongoing health problems.
The Trust did not address her concerns about the competence of the surgeon who carried out her second operation.
What we found
There were failings around the second operation, either in the preparation for the operation or in the surgeon's failure to ask for assistance, or both. There were also shortcomings when the Trust answered Mrs D's complaint.
However, Mrs D's condition was serious and she would always have had a long recovery period. We did not think her ongoing health problems were linked to this second operation.
Putting it right
The Trust agreed to explain why the surgeon was considered suitable to carry out the operation, and how this decision was reached. It apologised for the failings.
The Trust paid Mrs D £500 in recognition of her additional operation, and for the subsequent distress.
The Trust told Mrs D how it would make sure that similar failings do not happen again. It shared this information with the Care Quality Commission and Monitor.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Middlesbrough
Not applicable
Apology
Compensation: Other
Other
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan