NHS to pay up for patient op at private London clinic

The individual was ‘unreasonably discharged’ from hospital

- PAUL BEHAN

NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been told to contribute to the cost of private surgery in London for a patient who was 'unreasonably discharged' from their care.

And the cash-strapped health board must also apologise to the patient at the centre of the case for their care 'failings.

The financial settlement order, and apology, were issued by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) who investigated a complaint raised by a patient known only as 'C.

The patient presented at the board's gastroenterology service, which is primarily based at University Hospital Crosshouse, with symptoms of "intense abdominal pain" and "nausea."

A background report into the case said: "C complained that the board failed to reasonably investigate and/or diagnose the cause of their symptoms of significant weight loss, intense abdominal pain, vomiting, altered bowel habit and nausea.

"C also complained that they were discharged from the board's gastroenterology service (specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the stomach and intestines) despite these ongoing symptoms.

"C said that they were left with no option but to obtain private care and treatment in England where they were diagnosed as suffering from mesenteric ischaemia (restricted blood flow to the intestines)."

A mesenteric ischaemia is potentially fatal - if not treated quickly.