Apology for hernia op patient

NHS Tayside failed to deal properly with a man’s complaint after an operation at Stracathro Hospital, according to a watchdog.

The man, referred to in a Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report as Mr C, had surgery for a hernia — but complained to Tayside NHS Board over lingering pain.

The ombudsman found the board had failed to adequately deal with Mr C’s complaint, but did not uphold a claim that he wasn’t treated reasonably.

The ombudsman took independent advice from a consultant surgeon who said the treatment Mr C received was appropriate and no failings were found in post-op care. It said: “It was clear to us the board had failed to deal with Mr C’s complaint in a timely manner and in accordance with procedure. We also considered that their communication with Mr C about reasons for the delay was poor. We therefore upheld this complaint.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: “We have apologised to the patient and acted to address the recommendations.”