"Administration of spinal block"

A student in training or other staffer who was not my anaesthetist administered spinal block needle without my knowledge. This was not explained to me. I thought the student or other staffer was just preparing my back with antiseptic and applying plastic but they then inserted the needle. Panicked, I asked where my anaesthetist was and they replied they’re here. The music in surgery was loud and there were many staff. I realised that the anaesthetist was next to the student or other staffer, guiding them through the procedure. I was shocked and worried as a spinal block comes with risks and never would have knowingly consented to anyone other than a fully qualified anaesthetist to put a needle in my spine. I don’t know the exact risks because I don’t recall being given a form to sign and when I got onto the operating table I did mention I was yet to sign a form, but it seemed this was dismissed.

I felt vulnerable and afraid. Weeks later, I still had back pain and was praying it would not be permanent. There was also a clinician coughing consistently overnight who gave me 2 pain tablets. I asked if I was able to pop out two tablets from the blister packet myself as I was concerned about the Covid risk but they dismissed me. I chose not to take the tablets they handled and as a consequence I had to lay there in pain for several hours.