Health Board criticised for surgery 'at limit of doctor's ability'
by Rob Osborne
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board has been criticised for its care of a man with a bowel complaint who then died after surgery.
A report from the Public Services Ombudsman found that he was not properly informed about the risks of the surgery and the operation was a complex procedure at the limits of the surgeon's skill.
Allan King's partner Dorothy Dorothy Wilson told ITV News' Rob Osborne that she feels that Allan "wouldn't have entered into surgery if he had known what he was going into."
Patient wouldn't have had surgery 'if he had known what he was going into'
The partner of Allan King, who died after receiving bowel surgery at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, says she felt the hospital treated them as 'a hinderance.'
Dorothy Wilson told ITV News that she feels that Allan "wouldn't have entered into surgery if he had known what he was going into."
We would like to take this opportunity to once again express our sincere condolences the family and friends of Mr Harris.
The Health Board fully accepts the recommendations of the Ombudsman and would like to take this opportunity to apologise to his partner publicly for our failings.
The safety and quality of care of all our patients is very important and the consent process is a crucial part of this. Although these tragic events involve one individual patient and one clinical team we recognise that it is something we can all learn from.
– Spokesperson for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board has been criticised for its care of a man with a bowel complaint who then died after surgery.
A report from the Public Services Ombudsman found that he was not properly informed about the risks of the surgery and the operation was a complex procedure at the limits of the surgeon's skill.
The ombudsman also found that the man's partner should have been informed about his deterioration sooner. The health board have been ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.
Betsi Cadwaladr: 'Modern' services needed to treat ageing population
Dr Matthew Makin, from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, says the proposed reforms are needed in order to meet future needs.
"In North Wales we're seeing a rise in the population of elderly people with chronic health problems" he says.
"We're going to see the population of 85 year olds double, and what we've got to make sure of is that we have a health service that is modern and designed to meet the needs of those patients."
Neo-natal care support group opposes plans to base unit in England
John Hewitt is part of Cuddles (Care Understanding Devotion to Duty for the Lives of the Extremely Small) , a volunteer-run support group for parents and babies associated with the Special Care Unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd .
The group is concerned at proposals to close the unit and treat babies more than 16 weeks premature at a single intensive care neonatal service at Arrowe Park, on the Wirral. It fears relatives would have too far to travel.
"I think it would have a devastating effect on the parents of the babies... obviously at their most vulnerable time." he says.
" When a baby is born into the Special Care Baby Unit, there's already a tremendous pressure on the parent. The vulnerability of the child should be taken into account".
A report commissioned by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was published last month, and found the number of babies requiring this level of care amounted to 36 in 7,300 births in the region each year.
More babies needing special care in Wales may have to be treated in England if proposals to improve neonatal care go ahead. Health Minister Lesley Griffiths says there are currently too many small units in Wales that don't have the proper services.
