Woman gets apology from NHS bosses after jaw surgery problems

A woman has received an apology after being given an artificial jaw joint without being fully consulted on the risks beforehand.

The woman, known only as Mrs C, had complained to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) about the treatment she had received from NHS Tayside after having her joint replaced, following a number of non-surgical attempts to manage pain in the affected area.

Following the surgery, she suffered complications that resulted in the joint being removed for several months and replaced with a different type.

Mrs C told the ombudsman that the risks of surgery had not been properly explained to her before she agreed to the operation.

In addition, she was concerned about the sourcing of the joint and that there had been a delay in identifying problems.

However, while the SPSO said there were “no failings” with the standard of surgery or the type of joint used, it said it was “unreasonable” that there was no evidence to show a discussion took place prior to the surgery on its risks and benefits.

The ombudsman’s report added that “not all the risks” had been documented and it was “unclear” what had been explained to Mrs C prior to surgery going ahead.

The report recommended NHS Tayside apologise to the patient and review its process for obtaining informed consent.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: “We have written to the patient involved in this case and apologised, and we have taken action to address the recommendations.”