Cases of surgical mop left in patient’s body after a procedure are being increasingly reported. The medical team must adopt and adhere to a protocol – if not in place – to reduce such mishaps. And admitting to the mistake instead of shrugging off from responsibility can also help their case.
The patient had a complicated delivery. She gave birth to a baby boy and was discharged from the hospital after a few days. However, complications were chasing the new mother as she soon developed unbearable stomach pain.
She was taken to another hospital where the scan reported presence of a foreign object in her abdomen. A surgery was performed and surgical mop was removed.
This case reached the court as patient alleged negligence on part of the first hospital for leaving the mop inside her abdomen.
Instead of admitting the mistake, the hospital adopted an intimidating stance and questioned patient’s intentions behind filing the complaint!
The Commission perused medical records of both hospitals and observed that C-section was the only surgery patient underwent throughout her life. Hence, it proved that the mop was mistakenly left behind by the doctors of first hospital.
The hospital was held negligent for this mistake and ordered to compensate the patient.
Source: Order pronounced by Gujarat Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on 7th January, 2020.