A police investigation into allegations of preventable deaths and injuries at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust has seen a significant increase in the number of cases under review. Initially, Sussex Police began investigating 105 cases in 2023, but this number has now more than doubled to over 200 cases.
The investigation, which remains ongoing, was prompted by whistleblowers who raised concerns about medical negligence in the trust’s neurosurgery and general surgery departments. These allegations include issues related to at least 40 deaths.
The surge in cases is attributed to more families coming forward with their concerns.
Case of Wendy Gibbs
Wendy Gibbs, aged 80, has come forward to talk about her care under the trust. Mrs Gibbs suffered life-threatening injuries following surgery by Marc Lamah. Her operation, initially scheduled at a private hospital in Brighton, was moved to another location due to the unavailability of necessary equipment. However, the equipment was also unavailable at the second hospital, and crucial information about the suspension of this specific surgery due to safety concerns at the Brighton site was not disclosed to her.
During the operation in March 2024, Mr. Lamah accidentally caused internal bleeding, leading to sepsis. Mrs. Gibbs required an emergency second operation and spent time in intensive care. She now lives with a permanent stoma bag and has experienced significant trauma from the ordeal. “He failed me, he betrayed my trust,” says Mrs. Gibbs. “I’ve got numerous issues left from the operation. Most of my hair fell out. My nails fell off. It’s coming back now, but the trauma of it actually happening and not being able to do anything about it – it’s not easy.”
Although Mrs. Gibbs’ case is not part of the police investigation, it highlights the ongoing issues within the trust. Nuffield Health, where the initial surgery took place, is conducting its own investigation into Mr. Lamah’s practices. A former director of clinical services at Nuffield’s Brighton Hospital noted concerns with Mr. Lamah’s complication rate, stating that one-third of his patients experienced moderate harm events over a 12-month period, a figure that should have been less than 5%.
Trusts challenges
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust has faced numerous challenges, including a high complication rate among patients treated by Mr. Lamah. Despite auditing his NHS data and finding outcomes within the national range, concerns about his professional conduct persist. The trust has been the subject of several reports by the BBC, including numerous instances of preventable harm and a Royal College of Surgeons’ review finding a culture of fear at the trust.
The police investigation is still in its early stages, with no suspects identified yet. The majority of cases involve the neurosurgery department, and charges of gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter are being considered. Police officers are currently identifying relevant cases and sending details to medical experts for review – a process expected to conclude in early 2025.
One notable case under review is that of Stephen Coles, who died in 2021 after surgery by neurosurgeon Carl Hardwidge. His family allege that inadequate post-operative care contributed to his death. Whilst the inquest into Mr Coles’ death did not raise concerns about his care, a neurological expert believes his death was avoidable. Following the surgery, Mr. Coles was unable to swallow due to cranial nerve damage and eventually died from pneumonia, which he contracted due to poor care on a general ward.
The trust acknowledges the significant challenges it has faced and is cooperating with the police investigation. Chief Executive George Findlay stated that whilst improvements have been made since 2017, there is still much work to be done to enhance patient care and support staff. “Despite these and other improvements,” added Mr. Findlay, “it is clear that some long-standing challenges remain, and it is also absolutely clear that we have much further to go in improving care and better supporting colleagues.”
Comment
It is extremely concerning to learn of the circumstances which have given rise to the ongoing and growing investigation into University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, particularly as it is only in exceptional circumstances that an NHS trust will be subject to a criminal investigation like this.
It is hoped that the investigative process will give patients and families the platform to raise their concerns and have their questions answered and that overall, the findings of the investigation will result in accountability and improved patient safety across the trust.
For anyone who has been affected by poor care and treatment at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, it is crucial to seek legal advice from specialist medical negligence solicitors at the earliest possible opportunity.
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