Concerns Raised About Vascular Surgeon At Royal Cornwall Hospital
3 Min Read
We are advising several clients about treatment received from a senior Consultant Vascular Surgeon at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, who is now under investigation.
In all cases, the Hospital contacted the family to let them know that concerns had been expressed about some aspects of the surgeon’s practice, including overall quality of care, and that while enquiries were continuing, it appeared that some avoidable harm might have been suffered by the patient. The Consultant had provided care to their now deceased relative between two and seven years ago.
In response to these concerns, appropriate action appears to have been taken: restrictions have been placed on the activities of the surgeon in question pending an investigation and an external inspection team carried out an audit of patients he had seen. The General Medical Council is also investigating.
We know that the external inspection team found evidence of poor care in multiple cases. The patients affected have been contacted, and invited to come into the Hospital to discuss their concerns with a senior Consultant.
For one of the families we are advising, the family left the meeting not really understanding what went wrong, and how it affected their loved one, and this is why they contacted us.
In this case the patient underwent an above-knee leg amputation and a nephrostomy, the consequences of which had a huge impact on his life. He had to give up work and required round the clock support from his family.
We are supporting the family with getting the answers they require, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken and should there be evidence that poor care caused injuries we will support them with securing compensation.
Patients coming forward to express their genuine concerns about medical treatment is an important channel for the medical authorities to listen and learn from. It is never easy, but it can shine a light on areas of poor practice and minimize the suffering of others by holding the Trust to account for its actions and ensuring that lessons are learnt. We also know, from the experience of acting for over 200 women in Cornwall who had been treated by Rob Jones, that when patients speak up it sends a powerful message to the authorities.
If you or a family member have received a similar letter about this vascular surgeon and would like expert legal advice, please contact either Mike Bird or Alex McKnight in our Truro office, or call 01872 243204.
