Patient's knee op called off at last minute because screws didn't fit
A patient's knee operation was called off moments before he went under the knife because doctors had the wrong-sized surgical screws.
Anthony Chalmers was due to have a metal plate and screws inserted into his knee at Leicester General Hospital on Tuesday.
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Anthony Chalmers was due to have a metal plate and screws inserted into his knee at Leicester General Hospital on Tuesday
Despite having a pre-op assessment two weeks ago, surgeons discovered they had the wrong screws when he was on the trolley and was about to be given a general anaesthetic.
Mr Chalmers, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, said: "I was two seconds from being knocked out and they just realised. They just should have known.
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"The surgeon said he assumed he had the right screws – assuming is not good enough and they should have checked long before.
"I was in tears when they told me. I have been getting worked up about this operation for weeks. My doctor had to give me drugs to help me sleep because I have been so nervous, I hate needles. Now I have no trust in the NHS."
The former postman has suffered from knee problems for more than 20 years, caused by his old job and years of playing football.
He has had three minor operations to reconstruct the ligaments in his knee over the years but, after they proved unsuccessful, his doctor decided he should have the knee operation to stabilise his knee with metal screws and a plate.
Mr Chalmers arrived at the hospital at 7.15am and had not eaten since the night before, when he was told he would have the operation at 1pm.
"I went down to the theatre and I was a bag of nerves," he said. "They put the wires on my heart and on my finger and they were preparing my anaesthetic.
"The anaesthetist was telling me they would put the mask on my face in a second and first it would be oxygen and then gas. I thought, 'right I'm going under now' and then my surgeon told the anaesthetist he didn't have the right size of screws.
"I just didn't understand.
"The surgeon said he assumed they had the right ones. I was in an absolute state. I said to him 'just take my leg off'."
He has been told the operation might be rescheduled for next Friday – but only if new screws arrive in time.
Andrew Brown, clinical lead for orthopaedics, at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "I am very sorry for the distress and inconvenience this has caused Mr Chalmers.
"During the final instrument check the team found the necessary screws were not all available which meant they could not go ahead with the operation. Clearly this late change was far from ideal and upsetting for Mr Chalmers, but it is much safer to reschedule the operation than to proceed without the required equipment.
"Mr Chalmers operation has been rescheduled for next week and the additional equipment has been ordered."
8 Comments
by DeeDee2106
Saturday, March 09 2013, 10:09PM
“This is just the latest story in a catalogue of poor performances and shoddy care to patients in Leicestershire Health Trust, there seem to be stories on a weekly basis.
My family had cause to complain about my Mothers treatment at the General following surgery for bowel cancer. The Ward she was on was like something out of the Crimean war, cleanliness in the toilets was appalling, food was diabolical and the level of care given to her by some Staff was bordering on criminal. she was left unnattended in a shower under the influence of pain killers, she was left shivering in her nightie after a bath because her bed had been stripped and remained unmade, she was left in a filthy condition after her colostomy bag burst in the night and someone merely stuck a plaster over it, and there were issues with medication, and a host of other things that would take too long to list.
We were assured that our concerns had been taken seriously and steps were being taken to improve things, but we made sure that she didn't return to that Ward when she had further surgery. I have to say that her 2nd stay was much better than the first............probably because we did voice our concerns. At the end of the day, being in hospital is traumatic enough without having to worry about infections, poor nutrition, sloppy and grumpy Staff, although they are in the minority and feeling like they're just waiting for permission to boot you out the door.........................rant over!”
by Hugo-Boss
Saturday, March 09 2013, 2:47PM
“Why does this not surprise me? I have had nothing but excuses and hassles with the orthopaedic surgeons at LGH. I bet I know which surgeon it was as well, and he has no care for the patients and would rather keep them waiting whilst he finishes a round of golf (which has happened 2 out of the 3 times I have had appointments with him meaning that he is 3 - 5 hours late for clinic!).”
by PLYMFOX01
Friday, March 08 2013, 5:38PM
“Does Kettering Hospital not carry out this surgery then? Seeing as he isnt satisfied with the NHS why not go private instead of moaning to the power and might (sic) of the local press.”
by Minkymoo69
Friday, March 08 2013, 4:57PM
“"Just take the leg off? "
I'm sure many diabetic patients with excruciating agony from their blocked blood vessels and ongoing helth issue are sending empathic support your way,
**** happens. Go to Northampton if you don't like the service our hospital is giving you, or pay private.”
by C_G_Lee
Friday, March 08 2013, 10:19AM
“I went through a similar experience 18 months ago in a private hospital, where because the correct pre-op checks were not carried out I had my surgery postponed for a month. And I, too was virtually in the operating theatre. Not a nice experience, but I didn't go running to the press or seeking compensation.”
by LikeItaLot
Friday, March 08 2013, 9:52AM
“Obviously not a good experience for him and should not have happened but to say "Now I have no trust in the NHS" is a bit over reacting”
by KulganCrydee
Friday, March 08 2013, 9:44AM
“Have to agree with honestly22. Obviously it shouldn't happen but it did & but nobody died & Mr Chalmers was not put through unnecessary surgery. To cry to the press is OTT to say the least.
I am a little confused that Mr Chalmers says he has "Now I have no trust in the NHS" but is happy for the same people to carry out the operation at a later date.
He has a right to be annoyed as I would be, but to run to the press (however great the Leicester Mercury is) was nugatory.”
by honestly22
Friday, March 08 2013, 9:27AM
“Who really cares? This is not news worthy & is being used I'm sure to support an application for compensation. This will further reduce the ability of the hospital to buy the right screws!
Interestinlgy, Mr Chalmers isn't even from Leicestershire!”