WA: Doctors say wife told of surgery risks

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-1999
WA: Doctors say wife told of surgery risks

The Perth Coroner's Court has been told the wife of a man who died from internal bleeding
a fortnight after having his big toe amputated was told of the risks of the medical procedure.

Seventy-two-year-old LEONARD ALBERT BLAND died at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco
on October 23 last year after failed attempts by two doctors to insert a catheter into
his chest.

The inquest has been told his lungs were flooded with up to two litres of blood and
pricks were found in his veins and arteries.

Doctors RACHEL RYAN and PAUL GERARCHI have told the inquest they explained to LEONARD
and VERA BLAND they intended to insert the catheter and also told them of the risks of
complications.

But in evidence given to the court on Tuesday, Mrs BLAND said she had not been told of the risks.

Mrs BLAND and her three sons called for the inquest after raising concerns that Doctor
RYAN, who first tried to insert the catheter, was too junior.

Coroner MICHAEL MCGUIRE will hear closing submissions later today.

AAP RTV alm/msk/jn

KEYWORD: TOE (PERTH)

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