Unsafe equipment used for surgery puts patients at risk
Patients have been put at risk of contracting illnesses or infections as hospitals were found to be in possession of dirty equipment.
According to recent reports, a patient who was being operated on was treated with unsterilized equipment. This could lead to a claim for medical negligence as patients face a high chance of being infected.
The hospital contracted a private firm to deal with cleaning the surgical equipment. This firm was accused of “significant failings”, which led to the death of a patient last year.
A strategic health authority for the capital, said it is seeking "decontamination records" for patients who were operated on at the unit.
In a joint statement with the private firm, it said: "Elective day surgery provided by the Advanced Surgery Centre at Colindale has been temporarily suspended. A joint service investigation will be conducted by NHS London and contract holders Clinicenta into operational difficulties."
NHS London has now cancelled its contract with Clinicenta.
A spokesman from the London state health service provider, said: "We have now lifted the suspension; however services will not restart until Clinicenta is fully ready to do so."
The Care Quality Commission added: "We have been made aware of the concerns around the Advanced Surgery Centre. If we find any evidence that regulations may have been breached, we will take action."
Source – The Evening Standard
Updated on 10/12/2010