Dad-of-two 'devastated' as NHS can't fund life-saving op

A dad with two young children has been left 'devastated' after being told the NHS cannot fund a life-saving operation for him unless he suffers a stroke.

Scott Rowan, 33, from Oban, is currently at loggerheads with the health service to cover the costs of the operation which will mend a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) - a hole in the heart that didn't close the way it should after birth. The dad-of-two was diagnosed with the heart condition after he took a "funny turn" while diving at work in August 2021.

Since then, he has been battling to receive the life-saving procedure, which would prevent him from being at risk of having a stroke and suffering from future health issues. But unless he endures a cerebrovascular accident, he has been told he won't be eligible to receive the birth defect op under the NHS.

In the meantime, he has had to give up his dream career as a diver as he is unable to pass his vital medical test.

Scott told the Record: "It's devastating - it has left me feeling like the NHS is willing to put a gamble on my life and that my life doesn't exceed the value of the cost of the operation. Surely the financial burden on the NHS after I have a stroke and potentially lifetime care thereafter is more expensive than a one-off operation.

"Without the operation, it puts me at a higher risk of suffering a stroke. It's not something you want to have to worry about as a dad with a young family. As it stands, my heart is currently healthy but the risk will always be there without the surgery."

He added: "If I undergo the operation, it means I will be able to go back to work as a diver, which has been my dream career since I was wee."

Scott sadly lost his mum, Allison Gourlay, after she suffered a stroke which led to a fatal heart attack in 2017. And just a few months ago, his cousin discovered she also had a PFO after suffering a stroke herself.

Scott fears his family health history will put him even more at risk of becoming unwell.

He said: "A lot of people in my family have had heart conditions and my mum had a stroke that led to her fatal heart attack, so I am obviously worried. I want to be able to watch my kids grow up. My mum passed away before my children were even born.

"I'd like to be able to grow up and see my grandkids, so I am going fight for this treatment."

In 2019, NHS England announced that it was going to routinely fund PFO closures for around 1,500 young patients south of the border every year. The health board said it would combat major killer conditions, including strokes and heart attacks.

NHS Golden Jubilee, which is currently treating Scott, said that individuals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. It added that treatment - including operations - are only carried out where it is clinically appropriate to do so.

Scott says that if he is to go private, the operation would cost around £20,000. He now plans to jog 10k every day to raise funds.

He said: "The fact it is being routinely funded in England shows how important the procedure is. I think it's ridiculous people in Scotland are having to go to these levels for potentially lifesaving treatment.

"If it comes to it, I'll run 10k every day for it. I already run and go to the gym, but if I'm doing a 10k every day, it will definitely keep me fit and healthy.

"If I'm out running then my recovery time should, in theory, be minimal."

Local MP Brendan O'Hara confirmed he was helping Scott and his family with the case.

The SNP representative said: "My office and I have worked closely with Scott over the past few months, and will always work to help him access the services and the specialists he needs but we cannot and would not seek to either influence or judge the clinical decisions of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.

"On a personal level, I feel extremely sorry for the position Scott is in, and the strain it must be having on his family."

A spokesperson for NHS Golden Jubilee said: "At NHS Golden Jubilee, we are committed to providing high quality, safe and effective patient care for patients across Scotland. Due to patient confidentiality, we do not divulge information on individuals.

"PFO is present in about a quarter of young adults. Clinical evidence shows that most PFOs do not need to be closed. As with any heart procedure, there can be risks associated with PFO closure.

"Therefore, the indication and potential for benefit must be carefully considered. Individuals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and treatment, including operations, are carried out where it is clinically appropriate to do so.

"As an organisation that believes in continuous improvement, we actively encourage open lines of communication to discuss any aspect of patient or carer experience. Any patient who wishes to discuss concerns about their care can contact us directly."

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