Man had part of brain removed in error

John Tunney, 63, is seeking compensation for permanent injuries caused by unnecessary operation to remove tumour A former paramedic is seeking compensation and an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) after part of his brain was removed in error by an NHS surgeon. John Tunney, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, suffered a haemorrhage and permanent brain injuries after he was subjected to unnecessary brain surgery, lawyers at Irwin Mitchell said. Tunney, 63, underwent a biopsy in 2008 after scans showed a tumour in his pituitary gland. During the procedure, at Walsgrave hospital in Coventry, a surgeon wrongly removed healthy brain tissue rather than the tumour, lawyers said. Tunney, who worked for West Midlands ambulance service, was left partially sighted and in need of constant supervision and support. Timothy Deeming from Irwin Mitchell described the blunder as “appalling”. He said the tumour had been found to be benign and could have been controlled with medication if blood test results had been reviewed before the biopsy. Deeming added: “The fact that the surgeon managed to remove perfectly healthy tissue rather than a sample of the tumour tissue is, in itself, an appalling error. To then find that the procedure was totally unnecessary because clinicians had failed to review a blood test really does add insult to injury. “The failings of the surgeon involved are so serious that the family is calling on the GMC to investigate his actions. We also very much hope that the trust has reviewed its procedures and, where necessary, retraining has taken place to ensure that lessons are learned to protect patients’ safety in the future.” University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has admitted liability for the mistakes and apologised to Tunney. Richard Kennedy, chief medical officer, said: “I very much regret the tragic outcome for Mr Tunney and his family, and on behalf of the trust would like to apologise for this. “Since 2008, this case has been thoroughly reviewed through our governance process and I am confident that measures have been put in place to prevent this type of incident reoccurring. For example, we now collaborate with expert clinicians at other trusts in these kinds of cases.” Tunney’s wife, Pamela, said: “John’s brain injury has had devastating effects on him. Prior to the surgery, he was a very easygoing person who was always active and on the go. To see the change in him and to know that it was all entirely avoidable is extremely upsetting. “As a paramedic, based at the Small Heath ambulance station with more than 23 years experience of working with the NHS, John put his complete trust in his surgeon, believing that he was an expert who knew best. “It is appalling to think that the surgeon managed to botch the procedure completely. Then to find that the biopsy wasn’t even necessary makes me incredibly angry. This mistake is not something that the hospital can just take back. She added: “I pray that they don’t make this mistake again and no other family has to experience seeing their husband suffer the pain and loss that John has.” Deeming said: “The trust has now admitted liability for the errors. However, before a settlement can be reached, we will need to evaluate the substantial lifelong care and support that Mr Tunney will now require. “While no amount of money will turn back the clock for him and his family, the future settlement will hopefully provide him with financial security to pay for the lifetime of care that he will now need.” NHS Health guardian.co.uk

Posted by on August 23, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.