The recent revelations surrounding a heart and transplant surgeon at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle are a stark reminder of what can happen when governance, oversight, and accountability break down in the NHS.
A pattern of harm
An NHS investigation has revealed that seven patients died and one suffered significant harm following operations led by the surgeon in question.
These tragic outcomes were linked to a series of failures, including:
- Performing procedures she was not adequately trained or experienced to carry out.
- Failing to seek help from senior colleagues when complications arose.
- Poor insight into her own clinical limitations.
Despite concerns raised by colleagues as early as 2018, no formal investigation was launched until 2021— following the death of a 54-year-old construction worker.
The construction worker died after an operation led by the surgeon in March 2021 to try and repair problems with his heart valves. His family was later told that his chances of survival would have been significantly higher had a more appropriately qualified surgeon been present.
Systemic failures and cultural issues
The Freeman Hospital’s internal reports highlighted not only individual failings but also systemic issues:
- A lack of proper governance around newly approved procedures.
- An inadequate multi-disciplinary team (MDT) process.
- A toxic working culture, including bullying-type behaviours and reluctance from senior staff to act on safety concerns.
Emails shared with affected families revealed that the surgeon’s colleagues had repeatedly raised alarms about her performance, citing a disproportionate number of deaths among her patients. Yet, these warnings were ignored.
Accountability and transparency
The General Medical Council (GMC) is currently investigating the surgeon, although there are no restrictions on her practice. Shockingly, she is now mentoring other surgeons and is expected to resume her surgical career.
This decision has been met with strong opposition from her colleagues, who say it has “shattered trust in ways that cannot be repaired.” Families, including the construction worker, are now calling for an external investigation into all of the surgeon’s cases.
Comment
This case highlights the importance of robust clinical governance and the necessity for healthcare institutions to respond promptly when concerns are raised. It also highlights the devastating consequences of failing to do so
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Georgina Sheppard is an Associate & Solicitor in our expert Medical Negligence team, which is ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, Legal 500.
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