NHS Grampian has launched an investigation after a grieving husband complained his wife’s final years were spent in agony after a “botched” operation.
Peter Beer is considering suing the health board, as he claims a locum surgeon “butchered” his wife Sheila’s leg while carrying out what should have been a routine hip replacement operation at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Mr Beer says his wife suffered constant pain from the summer of 2015, when the procedure took place, up until her death from cancer earlier this year.
Earlier this month, he revealed that Mrs Beer wanted to “go to Switzerland” where she would be free to end her own life during the worst of her ordeal.
And Mr Beer has now lodged a formal complaint with the NHS.
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said an investigation into what happened to Mrs Beer is now under way.
She said: “I can confirm we have received a letter from Mr Beer and we are investigating the issues he raised.
“We will respond directly to him when this is complete.”
Mr Beer has demanded changes in how surgical mishaps are handled, and said: “The local staff at the time knew that the locum surgeon had made a mess of it when he was working on my wife’s hip – but nobody ever told us anything.
“It was only months later that we found out her operation had gone awry.
“They should let you know about it, and let you know what to do, as soon as it is apparent something has gone wrong.
“I would feel much better if I knew that anybody else in this situation would receive immediate help.”
Mrs Beer had been hoping for a new lease of life after going under the knife.
But Mr Beer says the locum surgeon left in charge of the operation “twisted” her body into awkward angles during the procedure and injured her femoral nerve.
Mr Beer said: “She couldn’t really walk again after that, she could only just about manage 10 minutes on crutches if she was going in a straight line.”
Mrs Beer, who was from Forres, died from throat cancer earlier this year aged 71.
She left behind three sons, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.