Recent data published by NHS Digital has revealed that there has been an alarming increase in the number of medical foreign objects being left inside patients after surgery in England. The objects referenced in the data include scalpel blades, wire cutters, drill bits, swabs, and gauze.
Errors concerning a “foreign object accidentally left in the body during surgical and medical care” resulted in 291 “finished consultant episodes” during 2021-22 – the highest annual total recorded in over 20 years. This figure is also more than double the lowest annual amount during the last two decades, with 138 incidents being recorded in 2003-04: and 156 foreign object episodes in 2001-02.
The average age of patients with medical foreign objects left inside them after surgery during 2021-22 was 57. However, there was generally a broad age range of patients affected by these errors, from babies to adults aged over 90.
The data released by NHS Digital doesn’t specify where and/or when the patients had their initial surgery, or whether the operation was on the NHS or within a private hospital setting. In some instances, medical errors such as these do not come to the fore for weeks, months, or even years after the surgery took place.
These types of medical errors are referred to as a “never event” by the NHS. This means that these types of incidents are so serious that they should never have happened. All hospitals have in place strict procedures to prevent such errors (e.g. the repeated counting of surgical equipment and checklists).
The Chief Executive of the Patients Association, Rachel Power, commented:
“Never events are called that because they are serious incidents that are entirely preventable because the hospital or clinic has systems in place to prevent them from happening.
“The serious physical and psychological effects they cause can stay with a patient for the rest of their life, and that should never happen to anyone who seeks treatment from the NHS.
“While we fully appreciate the crisis facing the NHS, never event simply should not occur if the preventive measures are implemented.”
Comment
This data follows several media reports in relation to the mounting pressure being faced by NHS services across the UK, which is caring for more patients than ever before.
Worryingly, as the demand for NHS services continues to increase, which appears to be likely, never events such as these will continue to occur if the support provided to the NHS by the Government is not urgently addressed.
A never event such as this should be considered very carefully and clients would be encouraged to pursue a case of compensation regarding such events. There is a three-year time limit from the date of the surgery or the date that it became clear the foreign object was left inside the patient so clients are encouraged to come forward quickly for their cases to be considered by our specialist legal team.
How can we help
Carolle White is a Senior Associate and Legal Executive in our Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
If you require any advice or if you have any questions regarding the subjects discussed in this article, please get in touch with Carolle or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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