Review Into Amputations Underway After Patient Says Wrong Leg Removed At Grace Hospital
Hospital Apologises For The ‘Deeply Regrettable’ Mistake
A major investigation is underway after a patient claims the wrong leg was amputated at Grace Hospital. The patient had been admitted to the hospital for treatment of a leg infection, but they were left horrified when they woke up from surgery to find that their other leg had been removed.
The hospital has since apologised for the mistake, calling it a ‘deeply regrettable’ error. They have launched an internal investigation into the incident and have suspended the surgeon who performed the operation.
Patient’s Family ‘Devastated’ By The Mistake
The patient’s family have said that they are ‘devastated’ by the mistake. They said that their loved one had been through a lot already and that this had added to their distress.
They are now calling for a full public inquiry into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Investigation Underway
The hospital has said that it is taking the matter very seriously and that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. They have also said that they are providing support to the patient and their family.
The investigation is expected to take several weeks to complete. In the meantime, the hospital has said that it is reviewing its amputation procedures to ensure that such a mistake does not happen again.
Wrong Leg Amputation Cases
Wrong leg amputation cases are rare, but they do happen. In the United States, there were an estimated 10 wrong leg amputations between 2000 and 2010.
Most wrong leg amputation cases are the result of human error. In some cases, the surgeon may be inexperienced or they may not have properly planned the surgery. In other cases, there may be a miscommunication between the surgeon and the patient.
Preventing Wrong Leg Amputations
There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent wrong leg amputations. These include:
- Ensuring that the surgeon is experienced and has properly planned the surgery
- Getting a second opinion before undergoing amputation surgery
- Making sure that there is a clear understanding between the surgeon and the patient about which leg is to be amputated
- Using a checklist to ensure that all of the necessary steps have been taken before the surgery
Conclusion
Wrong leg amputations are a serious mistake that can have a devastating impact on the patient's life. It is important to take steps to prevent these mistakes from happening, and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable when they do.
