Consultant misinterprets x-ray
Posted: December 31, 2015
Posted in: Hip Injuries Medical Negligence
A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board consultant has been told to “reflect on the case” after he misinterpreted an x-ray of a patient’s fractured hip. The consultant, who remains unnamed, has been told to reflect on his errors after he misread a series of poor quality x-ray pictures. He has also been ordered to provide the man’s wife with a detailed account of his reasoning behind changing his mind at the last minute.
The woman, who remains unnamed, complained to the Public Services Ombudsman about the care and treatment her husband was receiving at Glan Clwyd Hospital in April 2010. The man, aged 52, had many serious health issues as well as communication problems and learning difficulties. He had been admitted to the hospital after suffering a seizure at his care home in Conwy. Where x-rays showed fractures in both hips, the consultant decided that the injuries were preexisting and that he did not require surgery.
Consultant admitted his failings
Where an expert adviser expressed concerns to the Ombudsman about the consultant’s decision, it was only after the patient’s wife made a formal complaint that the consultant admitted to his failings and agreed that the fracture had most likely been sustained during his seizure.
Alongside financial compensation for its failing, the board offered the woman and her husband its sincerest apologies. It was ordered to pay £250 for their suffering. A spokeswoman from the board stated: “we do use the Ombudsman’s reports to learn from and improve our services and any recommendations will be actioned immediately.”
If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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