NHS left stitch in rugby player's nose for more than a year after surgery

An NHS board has been ordered to apologise after stitches were left in a man’s nose for over a year after surgery.

The patient, who was a rugby player, underwent septorhinoplasty following an injury to improve both the appearance and functionality of his nose.

A year on from the operation, the man developed an infection and noticed black suture material extruding from the scar line on his nose.

The man’s mother submitted a complaint against NHS Ayrshire and Arran, who claimed that the suture was intentionally left in place, despite there being no records of this being the case.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) investigated the complaint.

It was heard that the man had all skin sutures and a brace, seven days after surgery, as per the clinic letters. He then developed a post-operative infection and was reviewed 12 days after surgery again, when a further suture was removed.

Independent advice from an ear, nose and throat specialist found treatment during a follow-up appointment 12 days after the surgery to be unreasonable.

It was also found that the patient was incorrectly told that all stitches had been removed.

The watchdog said the health board’s explanation that one suture was to remain permanently in place was not supported by medical records.

The SPSO concluded that the board had failed in their duty of candour and a second opinion should have been offered to the patient.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been ordered to issue a formal apology to the patient.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “I am sorry that we did not meet the high standards of care that we strive for in NHS Ayrshire & Arran for this patient.

“The Board fully accepts the recommendations in the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report.

“We have issued a formal apology to the family of patient A and are working through the recommendations highlighted in the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report.

“We will ensure that we share the learning from the report within the organisation, in particular with those responsible for the operational delivery of the service and with our clinical governance teams.”