
NHS Removes Door Handle, Coat Hanger, and Courgette from Patients' Rectums
What Happened?
Hospitals in England have removed various unusual items from patients' rectums, including a door handle and a courgette, following a Freedom of Information request revealing over 1,500 cases in 2022.
Key points
- Over 1,500 people attended A&E for foreign bodies in rectums in 2022.
- Items removed included Lego bricks, vapes, and a boiled egg.
- Hospitals in Berkshire reported removing a Coke can and a toilet brush handle.
- Medical staff encourage patients to seek non-judgmental care.
- Only 11 out of 106 hospital trusts provided itemized lists in response to FOI requests.
Key insights
- The prevalence of unusual foreign objects indicates a need for better public awareness about safety.
- Encouraging patients to seek help may reduce the risk of serious injuries.
- The limited response from hospital trusts suggests potential gaps in data collection.
Why it matters
This report highlights the unusual medical cases that healthcare providers encounter, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without fear of judgment.
Source
Express
