NHS complaint

[Hairthrowaway]

Posting for traffic

Sorry for vagueness but the specifics would be really outing

I had an “experimental” procedure under the NHS and have experienced permanent cosmetic side effects.

Tried to alert my consultant to my issue but he dismissed me and said that’s how my face always looked (!) and that there’s no chance this procedure caused the changes.

This isn’t how my face always looked, I have photos that show the gradual change to my face after this procedure and I’m sure that this procedure caused it as my GP said nothing else in my medical history would explain it. It’s not a typical facial deformity that would happen via ageing either (I’m in my early 20s). I have also seen people on online forums experience the same issue after this.

Where do I go from here?

PALs.

I would recommend contacting your MP (or relevant devolved representative) to explain the issue and ask if the trust can investigate what happened and what can they do to out it right.

What kind of disclaimer and paperwork did you have before agreeing to experimental treatment? Do you mean you were part of a trial?
Dp just had an op using a new procedure and his paperwork went to 24 pages. Check that out and contact Pals if they cover it. Was it NHS? If so, they should advise.

Can you go to your go and ask to be referred to another Consultant for a second opinion. I have plastic surgery every few years on the NHS. It has happened that it had an effect on other areas of my face. I’ve always pointed it out and they’ve always fixed it. It’s your face, not theirs, they don’t have to live with it. Definitely fight back.

did you know it was experimental?
were you part of a study?
were you informed about possible side effects?

is is something, medicine or medical device, that you could report to the mhra yellow card scheme yourself?

Were you warned about the side-effects before having the procedure? Did you sign anything to say you were aware of them?

Sorry I referred to it as experimental as it’s an off label use of the medicine, it’s not certified for treatment of my issue so not routinely offered. It’s not a trial per se, but this hospital is one of only a handful that offer this procedure in the UK.

I wasn’t part of a study no. Just offered it after a hospital referral in the usual way.

Yes I signed a disclaimer form but this issue wasn’t declared. It was more the typical general side effects like mild pain, bruising etc on the paperwork.