Dundee heart bypass blunder claim is latest NHS complaint
The Courier is currently exploring the state of the NHS in Scotland — both good and bad. As well as looking at the future impact financial restrictions will have on the health service, the investigation has been triggered by a series of complaints about the treatment some people have received.
Mr Scullin.
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published in the Courier : 29.07.10
- Published online : 29.07.10 @ 10.03am
John Scullin (73), of Balunie Drive, is the latest to come forward with his own health horror story about NHS Tayside
He said he needed a heart bypass, and that his operation was delayed because his consultant did not pass on his notes when she went off on maternity leave.
Mr Scullin told The Courier how his treatment for a potentially life-threatening condition was left in limbo for two months because of an administrative blunder
"I have had good and bad experiences of the NHS," he said. "I was diagnosed with a blocked artery last October, but when my consultant went off on maternity leave she didn't leave any paperwork behind about my case.
"This went back and forth for a couple of months but nobody seemed to know anything about me. It took a letter of complaint to NHS Tayside before his case was finally resolved."
He eventually had his operation earlier this year and is now recuperating at his home.
"After my wife wrote a letter of complaint I finally got a new consultant, who referred me to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for a bypass, although I was told my complaint wasn't life-threatening," Mr Scullin said.
"I have no complaints about the treatment I received at ERI, they were absolutely first class. I'm now getting cardio treatment at Ninewells and the staff there have been wonderful."
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said the patient's complaints have been discussed with him.
"Our complaints and advice team received a letter from Mr Scullin in March," she said. "We take all concerns brought to our attention very seriously and we thoroughly investigated the issues raised.
"Our associate medical director responded in writing to Mr Scullin regarding his concerns."
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