Poland Syndrome - Refused Funding for Op

[delandjulie]

My Daughter was born with Polands Syndrome - she has had 2 operations 1) to build a muscle cavity and 2) to place a breast implant within the cavity, after surgery her chest has never been symetrical, and after fighting for a second opinion from another hospital we were told that the implant has completely turned ( teardrop implant) and the Dr was flabbergasted at the way she has been treated, so we had to apply for funding again to put right and replace the implant, 5 months later we have been refused ...can anyone help or advise the next root of action please xx

[Nystagmite]

Have they explained why the funding has been refused?

[delandjulie]

hi, yes because there no new evidence !! even though the implant has turned inside xx

[mr_mastiff]

How long ago did your daughter have the first and second operations?

 

Before the operation did they List the risks and possible outcomes before you or your daughter gave consent for the operations. Was the risk of teardrop implant explained to you.

 

Is your daughter suffering any physical problems due to the operation. Such as pain or difficulty in breathing. Have you asked the second doctor what the possible medical implications of the implant being left in place are are?

are there any long term risks to this.

 

What psychological problems as the implant caused your Daughter. Did your daughter have issues before the operation have they became worse since its failure.

 

Have you spoke to the second doctor since the funding as been refused. He/she can put in their own appeal for funding along side yours.

 

There are a number of avenues that you can base your appeal on both physical and psychological. Contacting N.I.C.E may help you ( I cannot find any guidelines for this syndrome but that does not mean they do not exist).

 

The document below may help you.

 

http://www.westsussex.nhs.uk/domains/westsussex.nhs.uk/local/media/images/medium/Individual_Funding_Request_Appeal_Document_2012.pdf

[delandjulie]

Thank You so much, I think her first op was around 2009, the second a couple of years ago and the referall this year. The original surgeon decided the best course of action and we believed him whereas the new surgeon wants to put in a skin pocket to built the cavity and inflate it because thats what should have been done originally then put in a new implant, i rang the new surgeon and his secretary said he can't do anything for us as it has to go via the trust for funding !!!

[mr_mastiff]

Thank You so much, I think her first op was around 2009, the second a couple of years ago and the referall this year. The original surgeon decided the best course of action and we believed him whereas the new surgeon wants to put in a skin pocket to built the cavity and inflate it because thats what should have been done originally then put in a new implant, i rang the new surgeon and his secretary said he can't do anything for us as it has to go via the trust for funding !!!

 

Are the Hospital saying that it is cosmetic surgery. If they are you should contact The CARE QUALITY COMMISSION and express concerns over the result of the first operation. It did not give the result your daughter expected and depending on how your daughter feels now may have led to psychological problems due to the result.

 

You may need to seek legal advice but this could be a basis for an appeal. Basically stating that the wrong advice was given in this case.

 

The document below may help help with how to appeal.

 

http://www.medlaw.eu/pdf/West.Sussex.PCT.IFR.23.11.10.pdf

Edited September 26, 2013 by mr_mastiff