A surgeon mistakenly removed the wrong section of a cancer patient’s bowel after confusing a tattoo for a medical marking at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor, north Wales. The error led to an unnecessary extended right hemicolectomy instead of the intended left-sided surgery, resulting in the removal of healthy tissue instead of cancerous cells.
The healthcare provider acknowledged the mistake as one of five “wrong site” procedures that occurred at the institution, categorized as “never events” – preventable incidents that should not happen when following safety protocols. Subsequently, the patient underwent additional examinations in preparation for corrective surgery.
Such incidents are considered serious and avoidable, with 139 never events recorded between April and July the previous year within the NHS. Another patient at Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital is undergoing investigation after being informed of a procedure on the wrong area.
The internal health board report revealed these occurrences, prompting discussions among health authorities. Individuals affected by never events can seek compensation from the NHS by demonstrating a breach of duty of care and establishing causation resulting from substandard care.
Claimants must prove the healthcare provider’s failure to meet expected standards to succeed in a compensation claim, including damages for pain, loss of amenity, earnings, and related expenses due to alleged negligence. Personal injury claims have a three-year limitation period from the time of negligence or awareness of harm.
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