NHS failed patient who died after surgery

A man who underwent knee surgery at Ayr Hospital collapsed and died just days after the surgical procedure.

And the Post can reveal how the patient, who died from a pulmonary embolism brought about through deep vein thrombosis (DVT), was not prescribed a drug which is used to help prevent DVT.

Now NHS Ayrshire and Arran has been told to apologise over their ‘failings’ to provide the drug – and for the way they discharged him.

The case was examined by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) and was brought about by the dead man’s partner, known only as Mrs B.

Her partner, (Mr A), attended the hospital after rupturing his patella tendon. He underwent surgical repair and was discharged the following day.

However, it was claimed there was “delay and a lack of clarity” over how Mr A was to access follow-up care and treatment.

Tragically, the patient became unwell some days after surgery and died. The cause of death was recorded as a pulmonary embolism, resulting from deep vein thrombosis.

The complaint centred on their failure to prescribe the patient with chemical thromboprophylaxis (drugs to prevent thrombosis) on discharge. It was also claimed that his discharge was “not handled reasonably or appropriately.”

The SPSO said: “We took independent advice from an orthopaedic consultant.

“We found that, given Mr A’s individual circumstances, the relevant guidance supported chemical thromboprophylaxis being prescribed to him on discharge. We upheld this aspect of the complaint.

“We agreed with the board’s position that there was no strong evidence to suggest chemical thromboprophylaxis would have prevented Mr A’s pulmonary embolism. Mr A’s discharge from hospital was not carried out in a reasonable and appropriate manner.”

Joanne Edwards, Director of Acute Services at NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: “I offer my deepest condolences to Mr A’s family and my heartfelt apologies that we did not meet the high standards of care and compassion we strive for.

“I also apologise that Mr A’s family had to raise concerns about his care and treatment at an already distressing time.

“In addition, I can advise that we have fully accepted all the recommendations in the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report.

“We’ve addressed the issues highlighted and made the appropriate changes, in terms of following discharge policy and planning; the arrangement of follow up discharge appointments and chemical thromboprophylaxis procedures following this type of surgery.”