Woman to sue hospital after scissors left in her stomach
Pat Skinner, 69, had part of her colon removed at St George Hospital in May 2001. But she said that she continued to suffer intense pain in her abdomen for months after the operation.
Eventually, she demanded doctors X-ray her abdomen. They did and discovered the 6.7-inch scissors, which were removed in October 2002.
“It was like a nightmare seeing those scissors up on the screen,” she said. “It was very, very traumatic and extremely painful.”
The hospital has apologised for the accident, but Mrs Skinner said she plans to take legal action.
A hospital spokeswoman said lawyers for both sides were discussing the matter.
The incident was reported to the Health Care Complaints Commission, but no disciplinary action was taken against the surgeons who operated on Mrs Skinner, said the hospital’s chief executive, David Pearce.
“We have put this down to human error,” he said. “I’ve been executive director here for four years.... and this is the first time this incident has occurred.”
