Emergency department failed to X–ray patient with a fractured spine

Summary 370 |

Mr P complained that despite repeated requests, emergency department staff refused to X–ray his injured back. This meant his spinal fracture and his tumour were not diagnosed.


What happened

Mr P injured his back and was taken to the emergency department by ambulance. After an examination, the emergency department doctor concluded that an X‑ray was not clinically necessary. Mr P was discharged on the same day.

Mr P continued to have back problems in the following months. After an MRI scan, he was diagnosed with a spinal fracture and a tumour. Mr P then had surgery on his back and chemotherapy to treat his tumour.

Mr P complained to the Trust about what he considered to be inadequate care and treatment, and the failure to diagnose his fracture and tumour.

Mr P said that as a result, he was put at risk of paralysis and moreover, his cancer prognosis was worsened.

What we found

The Trust failed to take an X‑ray when Mr P was in the emergency department. After carefully considering all of the evidence, including comments made by our clinical advisers, we were unable to establish a link between the failing we identified and the injustice claimed by Mr P.

This was because Mr P's condition and prognosis did not worsen and the delay did not alter the treatment he received for his spinal fracture and tumour.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised for the failings we identified and prepared an action plan.

Health or Parliamentary
Health
Organisations we investigated

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust

Location

Brighton & Hove

Complainants' concerns ?

Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right

Result

Apology

Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan