Worried mum fears daughter will die if surgery isn't carried out soon

A concerned mum fears her daughter is going to die is she doesn't receive vital spinal surgery soon.

Lisa Garrity is worried that time is running out for Kelsi, 10, who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with associated global developmental delay. She also has long-sided neurogenic scoliosis, right hip subluxation, epilepsy, visual impairment and chronic lung disease.

The Galston youngster, who has long-sided neurogenic scoliosis, right hip subluxation, epilepsy, visual impairment and chronic lung disease, was sent for a pre-op last month.

But Lisa claims she was told there was no longer a waiting list for the consultant - Dr Chris Adams - charged with performing Kelsi's operation after reading a report in the Daily Record that the surgeon was understood to have been suspended by his healthboard, NHS Lothian.

NHS Lothian say no surgery was cancelled and that arrangements are being made for Kelsi to see a spinal consultant.

Kelsi also has a gastronomy peg through which she is fed and given all her medication. She is nonverbal and is a wheelchair user. She requires a hoist to transfer her from the bed to the wheelchair.

Lisa, 36, now says there is only a small window of time for her daughter to have the vital op.

Lisa said: "Kelsi attended an appointment in July 2023 with Dr Chris Adams, who is a consultant spine surgeon at NHS Lothian. I was told there was a significant decline in Kelsi‘s scoliosis as it is 75 degrees. This means that her scoliosis' is severe and can interfere with her lungs and other internal organs' ability to function and will be experiencing pain.

"On March 6, 2024, Kelsi went for her pre-op for her spinal operation. On March 31, I read in the paper Dr Adams had been suspended. On hearing this I contacted the hospital and was informed Dr Adams no longer has a waiting list. I am really concerned if Kelsi does not receive the operation soon she is going to die. There is only a small window of time before she won’t be able to have the operation.

"Kelsi’s scoliosis is causing concern as it’s pressing on her lungs reducing her lung capacity. She recently attended overnight for a sleep study at the respiratory ward in Glasgow. I was informed Kelsi’s saturation levels are dipping at night and she now requires a CPAP machine."

The spinal operation Kelsi requires is called a spinal fusion, a surgical procedure to join 2 or more bones (vertebrae) of the spine together permanently.

Lisa added: "This is a major operation where the spine is straightened using metal rods to straighten the spine. After the operation, Kelsi will not be able to be lifted."

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian said: “We understand that patients and families will be anxious when they are being assessed for surgery.

“It is important to understand that a procedure has not been fully planned and that no surgery was cancelled.

“As discussed with the family, we are still awaiting a number of diagnostic tests to be carried out before that next step can be taken. Cases and care plans are reviewed individually and carefully, and that process can take time.

“The Spinal Liaison nurse discussed with the family earlier this month to provide an update and issued a follow-up letter last week to reassure them.

“Arrangements are being made for Kelsi to see one of the spinal consultants at an upcoming outpatient clinic where her care, including potential surgery, will be discussed.”

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