Top hospital cut out healthy gall bladder

AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a woman had her healthy gall bladder removed in a blundered operation at one of the country's leading hospitals.

She had gone in for an investigative gynaecological procedure at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington where Health minister Lord Darzi works but was instead taken into theatre where an gastrointestinal surgeon removed the organ. The consultant responsible, his junior, the anaesthetist and several theatre nurses have been suspended as bosses look at how the mix-up occurred. A senior colleague at St Mary's said: "This is highly embarrassing for a trust that likes to think of itself as the best in the country."

There would have been opportunities to notice the mistake on the patient's wrist band, consent form and notes. It is understood she came through the operation without complications.

A spokeswoman for St Mary's said it was investigating the case and that the team involved was not Lord Darzi's.

"Following this incident the Trust has reviewed its patient identification procedures," she added.