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[Linsey44]

Hi ladies

I was to be admitted today at 2pm for my risk reducing double mastectomy and reconstruction which has come about after a long journey and wait.

At 9am this morning hospital phoned to cancel it.  Reason given was that there was a problem with the manufacturer of the implant/ tissue expander.  They said they dont know when it can be resolved and maybe in Oct or maybe not.  No one from the appoints secretary / specialist nurses / consultants secretary can give me any answers.

I had been coping really well up to this point and unfortunately spent most of today in tears.  These tears have now turned to anger and feel someone should be accountable for this.

It raises lots of questions:
Was it ordered? How could they not  know this prior to day of admission? If they were aware then why wasnt i informed etc?

I have started to compose a formal complaint letter querying the processes required for ordering these surgical items etc. 

Does anyone know what rights I have in terms of asking for this surgery to be rescheduled.  This op was to in a scottish nhs hospital?  I just dont feel they can cancel me without offering me another date.

Any help / input / pointers to include in the letter would be appreciated.

Thanks
Linsey

[honeybun]

Sorry I can't help but just wanted to send you a 

I'm not surprised you are angry and upset as you will have built yourself up to this happening today and it was all for nothing.
Your treatement has been shocking and i really hope you can get it all sorted out and reschuled as soon as possible.


Honeybun
X

[Joyce]

Nothing worse than getting yourself into the right frame of mind for something & then it's cancelled at the last minute. I hope they have answers. Just phoning like that isn't satisfactory at all. 

[purplenanny]

Really sorry L44, what an awful way to be treated.  A lot of emotional energy is needed to prepare for something like this and then to receive such news must feel like a door being slammed in your face.

You definitely need answers,  not to mention the security of another date

Sending strength and hugs

PN x x

[Linsey44]

Thank you for your support, thought I might have calmed down today but I havent.  Away to phone nhsinform to try and establish what my rights are as a patient.

If my op had been delayed for a more critical clininical need then I would not have any issue with that.  Away to vent.

Linsey
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[honeybun]

Good luck and let us know how you get on.


Honeyb
x

[purplenanny]

If my op had been delayed for a more critical clininical need then I would not have any issue with that.  Away to vent.

even so, you should have had it explained better with more reassurance. Good luck linsey, let us know how you get on
PN x x

[Limpy]

Linsey - Not surprised you are fuming, how could they not have known about the implant problems till the day of the op?         

Sending you lots of hugs, you must feel like you've been through the wringer. Mind you, would you prefer a sharp stick to prod them with?   

     

[libby1]

Most hospitals nowadays have a complaints/medical negligence department. Have a look on the hospital website or ring switchboard and ask.

Libby
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[SadLynda]

sorry cant help.  But sending you a hug  and be sure to complain, that is a dreadful way to treat a patient for something so very important to their wellbeing.  You have every right to be upset.

[Linsey44]

Thank you everyone for the hugs and wishes.

Well, thats a formal complaint letter done and away given verbally and also emailed to them.

Ive asked lots of questions on the procedures for ordering surgical items, whose responsibility is it, was it done by usual ordering dates, is this issue affecting other hospitals either nhs or private, is there another supplier /type that could be used? Were usual procedures followed and if not why not etc

What doesnt help is they can take up to 20/30 working days (4-6 weeks) to respond and in the meantime no future surgery date to focus on.

However I can only try and forget this as best I can  for the time being.  Hopefully this will not happen to me again.

Thanks
Linsey

[SadLynda]

well done on your complaint, might seek you out next time I am making one

do let us know when you get your next date, and hope they manage to send you one soon.  Usual post code lottery I suspect then, my MIL had her's done pretty sharpish  I think that was Blackpool.

[Linsey44]

This is scotland and i suspect its a bit different.  Also as mine was risk reducing it means usual wait time rules dont apply so it that respect we have no recourse or rights to ask for it to be rescheduled within a specific timeframe.

I might decide to address that as a separate issue via MP and scottish parliament if necessary but will wait until i am in the right mindset for that.

will try and minimise my stress levels.
Linsey

[CLKD]

I can understand your anger because you have been working towards this day practically and emotionally, however: it is better to postpone an op when ever there are issues surrounding implants etc..  It may be a 'batch' problem, a shortage or something wrong with the implants.  The Manufacturer may even have gone out of business!

It has been known that some breast implants have 'failed' which has involved further surgical intervention with added GA risk. 

Your GP should be able to tell you more.  The Consultant's Secretary should be able to tell you when the operation is likely to be re-scheduled, it would be nice if the Consultant rang with up-to-date details.   It is 'normal' for operations to be cancelled due to no beds., other emergencies, also due to patients not turning up  .

[Limpy]

Your GP should be able to tell you more.  The Consultant's Secretary should be able to tell you when the operation is likely to be re-scheduled, it would be nice if the Consultant rang with up-to-date details.   It is 'normal' for operations to be cancelled due to no beds., other emergencies, also due to patients not turning up  .

CLKD  - I think Linsey has said she would have understood if the op had been cancelled due to emergencies, lack of beds etc. It was the fact that they waited till 9am on the day of the op to deign to inform her that they were unhappy with the implants. They must have known before that, if not why not?