For each patient: Summary of the consent form, to be signed at least 15 days before the procedure:
The main risks and complications of any surgery are (this list is not exhaustive):
infection, seroma (= a build-up of fluid), nerve damage (motor or sensory) (e.g. numbness of the wound, damage to the facial nerve, …), bruising, pain, hematoma (= bleeding), bad (stretched / thick / red / raised / uneven / folded) scars, wound rupture, delayed wound healing, allergic reactions, deep vein thrombosis in the legs, contour irregularities, asymmetry, implant failure, overcorrection, undercorrection, return of sagging after lifting, result that does not match expectations, …
Additional procedure: in the event of an additional 'tuck-up' operation, for whatever reason, the surgeon's fee is waived in these circumstances, but the patient is responsible for travel and accommodation expenses and any costs for the anaesthetist and the operating complex (see above). The current procedure costs do not include future costs for additional interventions that the patient chooses or needs to revise, optimise or complete the result.
Anaesthesia consent form: I acknowledge that the anesthesiologist or his nurse has discussed the proposed anesthesia with me and answered my questions. I request the use of anesthetics for pain relief and protection during the planned and additional procedures. I realize that the anesthesia may need to be adjusted without explanation to me. I understand that side effects and complications can sometimes occur, such as:
Complaints mediation: If the patient is not satisfied with the treatment, he/she can initially contact the treating physician directly, preferably by e-mail (patientcoordinator@o2clinic.be) and/or the nearest colleague physician at the Singelberg Clinic. If this proves insufficient, the patient will be referred to a third, independent physician outside the O2 Clinic for mediation.
Mediation service (patient rights)
What is hospital mediation? Mediation provides a forum for dialogue between a patient and a healthcare provider in the event of a conflict or misunderstanding, with the aim of finding an amicable solution. The mediation service is authorised to handle complaints about patient rights under the law of 22 August 2002. The presence of a mediator is required by law in Belgian hospitals.
The role of the mediator: The mediator is someone patients can turn to when they feel that one of their rights has not been respected. The mediator listens, informs, helps the parties to find a solution and offers a platform for dialogue. Their role is neutral, independent and impartial. If attempts to restore communication and dialogue fail, the mediator informs the patients about the available alternatives. The mediator makes recommendations to the institution to prevent recurrence of the shortcomings that may give rise to a complaint.
When should I contact the mediation service? If you feel that one of your rights has been violated, here are some things you can do:
How do you contact the mediation service?
What if the mediator doesn't help? The mediator is not a judge: he or she has no power to impose sanctions and his or her influence depends on what the two parties are willing to allow.
Not all issues related to patient care fall within the mediator’s scope. Here are some examples of situations and who to contact:
Agreement with a general hospital; Dr. Oelbrandt, one of the surgeons working at the O2 Clinic, has a contract with the general hospital of Bornem (www.azr.be) and has admission powers for secondary transport of patients if necessary.
