A 10-year-old girl, Eva Tennent, who experienced multiple cancellations of her life-saving spinal surgery finally had the operation done last week. Eva, suffering from an advanced case of scoliosis due to a rare genetic disorder called Rett syndrome, had a curvature of 110 degrees by March, which was squeezing her pelvis and liver and affecting her breathing. Three spinal surgeries at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital were postponed due to staff shortages, and last month, Eva’s condition was declared “inoperable.”
Eva’s family went on BBC Scotland News and spoke publicly about their fears that she wouldn’t survive; subsequently, the coverage led to a fresh review and a third opinion recommending her surgery, which was successfully done last week. Her mother, Jill Lockhart, says that Eva is “doing amazingly well” after the nine-hour surgery.
Eva’s case highlights the chronic understaffing crisis in the Scottish healthcare system and the effects it has on patients’ lives. Her spinal surgeon, Chris Adams, was suspended by NHS Lothian, highlighting the shortcomings in the system that were caused, in part, by nursing shortages. Health Secretary, Neil Gray, has met medical directors to address his concerns and ensure prompt action.
Although Eva’s successful surgery is a relief for her family, Ethan Dawson, 12, and Shaye Armour, 13, remain under Mr Adams’ back surgery care and have been significantly affected by his suspension from duty. Ethan, from Uddingston, and Shaye, from Greenock, continue to wait for their back surgeries amid concerns about their deteriorating conditions. Parents of these two children are also dealing with the lack of communication from health boards and rescheduling of their children’s surgeries
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