Letter to the Editor

Second surgery takes toll on family

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

To the editor:

On June 19, 2014, my husband and I were informed that he would need emergency surgery. The physician explained that everything would be taken care of with one surgery.

After all of the consent forms were signed, a nurse brought in another consent form. I asked why there was a need for another form. The physician told us that administration decided that it would be best to do two surgeries. He went on to explain that other emergencies could come up and that the surgery crew should not be tied up with one patient. Due to that decision, my husband had to endure a second surgery on June 30.

I asked to speak with whomever made that decision, and to this day, I have yet to speak with anyone. We are currently weighing our legal options because this is truly a blatant case of malpractice. There was no concern for my husband's health or well being. I often wonder, if it were the family members of the administration, would they have made the same call.

Despite the experience with the hospital, I would like to thank Dr. Brian Niles for his patience and professionalism.

Theresa Barclay
Blytheville