Science Picture LibraryA lady needed to be examined for HIV after being given a vaginal examination with a swab already used on one other affected person, the well being ombudsman has stated.
After the examination, at her GP surgical procedure in Batley, Yorkshire, for a pre-existing well being situation, the 40-year-old was instructed an outdated swab had been utilized by mistake.
She then needed to wait three months for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and hepatitis, check outcomes, which had been unfavourable.
Investigators have now urged all GPs to make sure correct infection-prevention measures are adopted.
Ombudsman Rebecca Hilsenrath stated: “There is always the possibility for human error in any profession.
“Luckily on this occasion, this severe mistake had no medical repercussions.”
The affected person, who lives close to Leeds, complained to the surgical procedure after the examination, in December 2022.
‘Grave error’
“When I found out the swab had already been used and I would need to have tests for HIV and hepatitis, I was extremely upset and scared,” she stated.
“I was shocked and worried about what this might mean for my health.”
The observe apologised – however an investigation by the Parliamentary and Well being Service Ombudsman (PHSO) for England has now discovered it did not sufficiently acknowledge its errors and will pay the girl £500 in recognition of her misery.
The affected person stated: “It was a grave error and I still can’t fathom how it happened.
“The mistake was bad enough in the first place – but the aftercare was worse.
“That is why I escalated it to the ombudsman, as there was no acknowledgement of the distress I experienced for three months.”
The ombudsman stated the GP observe had now acknowledged its failings and brought steps to make sure it is not going to make the identical mistake once more.
