A 10-year-old girl’s spinal condition has become inoperable after her planned surgery was cancelled seven times in six months, her mother has claimed.
Eva Tennent suffers from Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, and has advanced scoliosis that causes her spine to twist and curve to the side.
The curvature of her spine was 60.89 degrees in May 2022, went up to 107.9 degrees last year and is now at 110 degrees, her mother, Jill Lockhart, told BBC News.
Lockhart said her daughter had surgery planned seven times since September last year, but each time it had been cancelled.
She claimed three of her operations at Edinburgh Royal hospital for children and young people (RHCYP) were postponed due to staff shortages, while the most recent cancellations were down to her daughter’s poor respiratory health, which she alleged was a result of the delay in operating. She was most recently set for surgery on 28 March.
Lockhart told the BBC: “She was deemed operable in September, October and November – and they were only cancelled because of bed and nurse shortages.
“They have left it so long, and now they are saying it’s too late. It feels like my daughter’s chances of survival have been sacrificed.”
“We were told last week that the operation could go ahead. Now, we’re being told she’s inoperable and I can’t get a proper explanation from the hospital why this situation has changed so quickly.
“If Eva had this operation, she could live for another 15 to 30 years with her condition. Without it, she may die.”
Last year, a BBC Disclosure investigation into NHS Scotland revealed claims that nursing shortages at the Edinburgh RHCYP were contributing to some children waiting up to three times longer than pre-pandemic for spinal surgery.
Tracey Gillies, the medical director of NHS Lothian, said: “We do not comment on individual members of staff. If a clinician was not to be at work for any reason, patients and their families would be told if it impacted on their care and their case would be reassigned to another surgeon, as soon as possible – particularly if it was time sensitive.
“In cases of a specialist service, it can often be necessary to link in with the closest centre to ensure the patient is care for appropriately. NHS Lothian has provided the Scottish National Spinal Service since 2005 and we continue to work closely with National Services Scotland.
“We do not discuss individual patients without their consent and we would urge any patients and their families to contact us directly to discuss their concerns and questions about their care.
“We do know that rescheduling elective procedures can be very upsetting for our patients and their families. We apologise sincerely to those who have been affected, especially those who have been rescheduled a number of times.
“We have been open and honest about the significant pressures being experienced across our entire healthcare system and their negative impact on elective procedures and waiting times.”
