Patient who died at Western 'failed by system'

Published on Friday 9 May 2008 14:08

A PATIENT who bled to death at the city's Western General Hospital was "failed by the system", an inquiry heard today.

Marlene Wightman, 49, died in the early hours of March 23, 2006, having been operated on the previous day.

The surgeon who carried out the operation, Michael Dixon, was asked how he felt about her death at a fatal accident inquiry at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

Mr Dixon, who has been a consultant surgeon at the Western General for 14 years, said: "What is clear is the system failed. The unit I am proud of and have faith in, let Marlene down".

The surgeon said it was not just a question of consultants being on call, it was about other matters which had been raised numerous times.

"The failing is probably way above anybody you have appearing in this court" he said.

Patients were being placed in the hands of people who were "exposed" and did not have experience.

"I would like to feel that the people looking after our patients have experience of looking after surgery patients," he said.

"The reality is the majority of nurses appointed to the wards have no previous experience of oncology".

He said he and his colleagues had no say in the appointment of the nurses.

"The nurses would like more training " he said. "I think they should have experience of surgery or get training to ensure they are able to connect with the problems and issues like this. I think it is important for the nurses themselves".

The inquiry continues.