Hysterectomy without informed consent left woman 'devastated'

HEALTH bosses have been blasted after a woman was given a hysterectomy without giving informed consent to the procedure.

- STEVE BAGNALL Reporter

The woman, from Wales and aged in her early 40s, said she has been left a "shadow of her former self" after the "horrific" experience.

She said she has had "so many dark days" and was devastated as she cannot now have children.

Now, the Public Services Ombuds man for Wales has issued a report list ing multiple failings in the case.

The chief executive of Betsi Cad waladr University Health Board (BCUHB) "sincerely" apologised for the woman's "poor experience".

The ombudsman, Michelle Morris, said in a report that the woman, named as Ms A, had a history of Crohn's disease and in 2016 had her large bowel removed at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. After this she was referred to Liverpool University Hospital in 2019 for further treatment.

After three years of various tests and treatments, in 2022 Ms A, who has no children, went to Liverpool Women's Hospital for further surgery. It was during this time that a total hysterectomy was performed where the womb is removed.

Ms A said she was only made aware that a hysterectomy might be per formed as part of the procedure on the morning of the operation.

Complaints were made by the patient against BCUHB, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust.