A surgeon delayed an operation while he sent a junior doctor to buy a tool he needed from B&Q.

Peter Mobbs was removing a metal plate from a patient’s arm when he realised he did not have the right screwdriver.

The plate had been fitted overseas using star-headed screws to fix a break. In Britain, crosshead screws are used.

He ordered the juniour doctor to go to the nearest DIY store. He returned within 30 minutes, reports The Sun.

Mr Mobbs sterilised the £2.50 screwdriver and used it in the procedure at Whiston Hospital in Prescot, Merseyside.The hospital trust praised his acitons.

A spokesman for St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust said: “The surgeon had a choice of abandoning the procedure or acquiring a screwdriver.

“The patient was informed afterwards and was happy with the action taken – and there were no ill effects.”

Source : Ananova

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