A 41-year-old mother of three tragically died after undergoing a hysterectomy at Cevita Care, a prominent private gynecological clinic located in the basement of St. Göran’s hospital complex in Stockholm. A subsequent investigation by a leading Swedish newspaper, DN, revealed a disturbing pattern of near-fatal complications following surgeries at the clinic. Despite numerous complaints lodged with the patient ombudsman over several years, the Stockholm Region failed to take action, initiating an investigation only after the death of the young mother. The investigation revealed serious deficiencies in post-operative care and patient communication, raising significant concerns about patient safety and oversight within the private healthcare system.
Åsa Rosén, a 52-year-old patient of Cevita Care, shared her harrowing experience after a hysterectomy at the clinic. Following the procedure, she experienced persistent pain and nausea but was repeatedly dismissed by medical staff. Despite her worsening symptoms, a doctor at the clinic ruled out bowel obstruction and advised her to wait. Her pleas regarding escalating pain were met with dismissive remarks, labeling her case as an anomaly. Rosén’s account, mirroring the experiences of other women who spoke to DN, highlighted a disturbing trend of downplaying patient concerns and a lack of adequate follow-up care. Similar to many others, Rosén’s medical records at Cevita Care failed to accurately reflect her reported symptoms, raising concerns about the veracity and completeness of documentation. The journal entry mentioned she ate with a good appetite, omitting the detail that she immediately vomited after consuming a single sandwich. This discrepancy, combined with other inaccuracies, further eroded trust in the clinic’s practices.
Driven by unbearable pain, Rosén sought emergency care at another hospital, where doctors discovered severe damage to her vaginal wall and intestines. The infected area required the removal of a portion of her intestine. Her case, formally registered with the patient ombudsman, is now part of the ongoing investigation into Cevita Care. However, many other women who shared similar experiences with DN hadn’t filed official complaints, highlighting a potential underreporting of adverse events and the need for robust reporting mechanisms. The testimonies of these women consistently describe substandard post-operative care, premature discharge, and dismissive behavior from medical staff. One patient, Sofia Falk, a 47-year-old from Stockholm, developed a life-threatening infection after a hysterectomy at Cevita Care in 2020. Reading DN’s investigative report resonated deeply with Falk, echoing her own experience of being rushed through the system and having her symptoms minimized.
Recurring themes in the women’s accounts include unpleasant interactions with staff, unsanitary conditions within the clinic, and overly optimistic journal entries that contradicted their actual experiences. Malin Freidle, a 38-year-old who underwent surgery for a cyst removal in 2019, described leaving the clinic in excruciating pain despite her journal entry stating she was well-medicated and reported a pain level significantly lower than her actual experience. A 34-year-old woman from Västra Götaland, who preferred to remain anonymous, underwent surgery for childbirth-related injuries. She was discharged shortly after the procedure, only to experience severe bleeding in the car en route home, necessitating an emergency ambulance call. These accounts paint a bleak picture of a clinic prioritizing expediency over patient well-being and accurate documentation.
Eva Bring, head of the specialized care department at the Stockholm Region health administration, acknowledged the investigation’s preliminary findings, confirming deficiencies in post-operative care and patient interaction at Cevita Care. Despite these serious shortcomings, the region has not terminated its contract with the clinic, citing the clinic’s proposed corrective measures and ongoing journal reviews as justification. This decision raises concerns about the adequacy of regulatory oversight and the prioritization of patient safety. Cevita Care has pledged to implement new procedures and install new leadership to address the systemic issues. These promises, however, remain untested and require rigorous monitoring to ensure genuine change.
The tragic death of the 41-year-old mother and the subsequent revelations of widespread issues at Cevita Care have brought the clinic under intense scrutiny. Cevitagruppen’s CEO, Håkan Baehrendtz, declined a direct interview, opting instead to issue a written statement to DN. In the statement, Baehrendtz assured that all complaints are taken seriously and highlighted the temporary suspension of major surgeries to allow for staff development and a renewed focus on patient safety and satisfaction. The clinic has pledged to prioritize patient well-being and regain the trust of those who have had negative experiences. However, these assurances come after significant damage has been done, leaving many to question the efficacy of self-regulation in private healthcare and demanding stronger oversight from regulatory bodies. The case underscores the importance of patient advocacy, thorough investigations, and robust accountability mechanisms to ensure patient safety within the healthcare system.
