Patient scarred for life after botched operation left him with severe burns

A patient who was left scarred for life when a botched operation left him with horrific burns has received a payout after suing the NHS.

Paul Hickman, 44, underwent routine surgery to improve circulation in his legs when medics at Russell Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Midlands, wrongly used a heated mattress.

He ended up with significant burns on his buttocks after an alcohol-based solution came into contact with the back of both thighs and his backside.

Mr Hickman, of Walsall, West Midlands, said: “I hoped that the surgery would go well and would improve my health.

“However, all I remember afterwards was being in severe pain.

“To be told I had suffered burns was a complete shock and at first was difficult to try and take in. I couldn’t understand how that had happened".

An NHS investigation found the use of heated mattresses was stopped in the type of procedure Mr Hickman underwent after another patient was burnt in 2016.

The report found the use of alcohol-based solution during Mr Hickman’s preparation for surgery and the “inappropriate use” of a heated mattress in surgery led to his burns.

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Source: The Independent, 4 May 2023