A five-year-old girl was left traumatised, bleeding, and in severe pain after a physician associate incorrectly prescribed and a vaginal pessary was inserted, a damning report by the health ombudsman has found. The incident, detailed by the parliamentary and health service ombudsman, revealed "multiple failures" in the care provided to the child.
The girl's mother had taken her daughter to a GP surgery, believing that a general practitioner would be conducting the examination. However, it was a physician associate who was involved in the consultation and subsequent prescription. The report did not specify the exact nature of the initial complaint that led to the medical consultation.
Following the insertion of the vaginal pessary, the young girl began to bleed and scream in pain, according to the mother's account. This distressing experience has reportedly left the child traumatised, highlighting the severe impact of the medical error on a vulnerable patient.
The ombudsman's investigation into the case concluded that there were significant shortcomings in the care pathway. These failures are expected to prompt a review of protocols concerning the roles and responsibilities of physician associates, particularly when treating young children and in situations where parents may expect a GP's direct involvement.
This case underscores the critical importance of clear communication between medical staff and patients or their guardians, as well as robust oversight of prescribing practices, especially for sensitive treatments involving children. The report will likely lead to calls for enhanced training and clearer guidelines for physician associates working within general practice settings across the UK.