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Glossy weight-loss brochure fails to spell out 'real risks'
Matthew Davis30/ 7/2008
THE Alexandra Hospital, in Cheadle, has been criticised for taking a ‘light-hearted’ approach to weight loss surgery, following an inquest into the death of a patient.
Stockport coroner John Pollard made the comments at the inquest of Gary Cooper, who died as a result of complications arising from a gastric by-pass operation.
Mr Pollard said the surgeon, Bart Decadt, had failed to properly highlight the ‘real risks’ involved in the operation, which has a mortality rate of one in 200.
The coroner’s concerns were echoed by Mr Cooper’s wIdow, Sonia, who claimed the hospital ‘doesn’t highlight the severity of the operation.’
Mr Pollard said: "I am satisfied these risks were discussed but I am left with a remaining doubt as to whether they were perhaps addressed by Mr Decadt in a rather light-hearted way and the real risks may not have put as firm an impression in the mind of Gary Cooper as ought to have been the case to enable him to make a fully considered and informed decision."
Speaking after the inquest, Sonia Cooper said: "I now want the Alexandra to take a look at the brochure for weight loss surgery. It is a very glossy brochure that doesn’t highlight the severity of the operation.
"It is very minimalised and it treats the surgery as a minor operation when in fact it is not."
However, a spokesperson for the Alexandra Hospital insisted potential risks are always fully explained to patients before their surgery and a specific consent form identifies the risks involved.
Mr Cooper, a 48-year-old father-of-two from Ashton-under-Lyne, had weighed 26 stone and elected to have the surgery to avoid future health problems. The operation took place on October 14 2007 and he was discharged four days later, despite Mrs Cooper having concerns over her husband’s health.
On October 20 he was so ill at his home he was taken to Tameside General Hospital where, despite two emergency operations to repair a leak at the site of the surgery, he later died from an infection caused by post-operative leakage and a perforated ulcer.
Since the death of Mr Cooper, on November 22, 2007, Tameside PCT - which paid for Mr Cooper’s operation - has suspended referrals to the hospital pending ‘a more detailed investigation’.
In a narrative verdict Mr Pollard said he intends to write to the Alexandra Hospital asking them to review their policy relating to patient discharge
Mrs Cooper, 36, said the verdict vindicated some of her concerns but she still questioned the after care her husband received at the Alexandra.
She said: "At the end of the day I wish he hadn’t had it done but at the time it was right. Given the right care and attention he would be a lot healthier and happier now and enjoying a happy life.
"I wouldn’t warn people against the operation because the operation can work and people can live healthy lives afterwards. I would however warn them of the dangers that could happen as have happened to me."
A spokesperson for the Alexandra, said the hospital would normally, dependent on an individual’s health and recovery, discharge patients after 48 hours following surgery of this type, but claimed it would be formally reviewing the hospital discharge policy.
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31/07/2008 at 14:41