Scottish surgeons amputate leg with saw found in cupboard

A member of the surgical team was reportedly sent to buy a saw. Photo / Thinkstock

A Scottish health board is investigating claims that surgeons used a saw found in a hospital cupboard to amputate a man's leg.

The incident at Ayr Hospital started when a metal plate was unexpectedly discovered in the man's leg during the operation.

It was reported that staff could not find the equipment to remove the plate, so a member of the surgical team was sent to B&Q - the British equivalent of Bunnings - to buy a saw.

The shop was closed so a saw was said to have been found in a stock cupboard at the Ayrshire hospital and disinfected before being used.

Concerns were later raised with senior management at the hospital and an investigation is being held.

Ann Gow, interim nurse director at the health board, told The Guardian: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran is conducting a significant adverse event review into a recent incident within University hospital Ayr, where standard procedures were not followed.

"The findings of this review and any subsequent recommendations will be shared with clinicians, as well as the family of the patient."

- PAA