Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has launched an external review of its Paediatric Spinal Surgery Service, looking into the level of medical monitoring offered to patients while waiting for surgery.
The review, being carried out by a team of external paediatric clinicians, looks into the care experienced by patients currently on the waiting list for Scoliosis surgery and whether they received the level of medical monitoring that we would expect.
Alongside this, NUH is carrying out an internal investigation into the Scoliosis pathway between NUH and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL). Both the investigation and review are being supported by UHL colleagues. UHL previously provided a spinal outpatient service and referred patients to NUH for surgery. This will look at how systems within the service worked together, identifying any gaps to strengthen processes and support positive outcomes for patients.
Andrew Hall, Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), said: “We know that waiting for surgery can be a difficult and worrying time for patients and their families, and news that the level of monitoring expected may not have occurred in some cases will be concerning, for which we are truly sorry.
“We are committed to reviewing patient care as quickly and thoroughly as possible, carrying out a full and thorough internal investigation and external review to find where we think there should have been further monitoring and to identify clear recommendations that will improve the service for patients, families and staff.
“We are reaching out to patients and families who are on our surgery waiting list and urge any patient or family with concerns to please get in touch so we can offer them advice specific to them and their care.”
Routine care will continue in the service while the internal investigation and external review are ongoing. Through the investigation so far:
– 43 patients have been contacted where concerns about the level of monitoring for their condition have been identified. The investigation will now review their care and any potential impact.
– 131 letters have been sent to those patients currently on the Scoliosis surgery waiting list. While we have no specific concerns about their care at this time, we are seeking additional external reassurance.
All patients will be informed of progress, outcomes and whether concerns are identified about their care.
