Report Finds Salford Surgeon Harmed 20 Patients With ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct

A spinal surgeon at Salford Royal Hospital caused “severe harm” to patients under his care, according to reports.

Following a review of Salford Royal Hospital, it has been found that John Bradley Williamson’s “unacceptable and unprofessional behaviour” severely or moderately caused harm to at least 20 patients.

John Williamson, who is a leading surgeon, botched operations leaving several patients with long-term pain, blood loss and mobility problems. The review also identified poor record-keeping, poor surgical technique, and communication with patients.

Salford Hospital is now run by the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, this Trust authorised the review into John Williamson due to the concerns raised regarding his conduct and capability.

This is not the first time that John Williamson has been under review. In 2014, concerns were raised by an anonymous whistle-blower, which led to a review by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2016 into the care of 10 of John Williamson’s patients. At that time, the review concluded that there were no overall concerns, but a “series of complications” were acknowledged.

However, in 2021, further concerns were raised, and an investigation was launched into the care of 130 patients under John Williamson.

The report inspected the treatments and care of John Williamson’s patients between the years 2009 and 2014. This report was overseen by surgeons and an independent expert.

The expert found that 23 patients who had spinal surgery had screws missed placed, five patients had suffered extreme blood loss, and John Williamson had failed to investigate in nine instances or act on complications patients were experiencing after surgery. It was found he did not act in a reasonable time, if at all.

The published report said:

“[Williamson’s] surgical technique was judged to be poor in multiple cases. Issues with screw placement and screws being misplaced were identified in a high number of cases.

In a number of cases, surgery was found to be poorly planned and patients suffered high blood loss for the surgery performed. [He] also incorrectly applied paediatric surgical practise and concepts to more complex adult surgical patients.”

John Williamson was sacked from the Trust in 2015, later that year the royal college reviewed 10 of his patients, however, no major concerns were discovered.

The report finalised that there were considerable contradictions between the report’s findings and the review by the Royal College of Surgeons.

It was also found that seven patients, including four who are deceased, had suffered severe harm from the surgeon and how 13 patients had experienced moderate harm.

The Trust’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rafik Bedair, has publicly apologised to the 20 patients who were harmed in John Williamson’s care and how the investigation should have happened sooner.

John Williamson has publicly said how from reading the report’s findings he is taking time to reflect and that he always tried to give the best care for his patients.

A spokesperson for Spire said:

“John Bradley Williamson worked in the local NHS trust and practised at Spire Manchester. He has not carried out surgery at Spire since 2013.

The NHS trust informed us of concerns about particular procedures undertaken in the NHS by Mr Williamson. We have commenced a review of his patients for whom he had performed specific spinal procedures. These procedures were all undertaken prior to 2013.

All patients whose care is to be reviewed have been contacted and given details of how their care with Mr Williamson will be assessed.”

Comment

Clearly, there are issues with the surgical conduct that the Trust need to address. This is a shocking story of considerable failings by this surgeon which has resulted in severe harm to many. This is clearly unacceptable.

It is concerning that this professional was able to proceed with surgery and the Trust were unaware of his poor surgical technique and poor record keeping.

Patient safety has clearly been at significant risk over multiple years as a result, and it is little wonder that patients will feel failed and let down. Every patient has the right to expect that they are in the best possible hands when consenting to treatment. That was clearly not the case for the patients who were under John Williamson.

The Trust now has a lot of work ahead to regain patient trust.

If you think you have suffered a spinal injury as a result of a missed medical diagnosis or treatment, it is important that you speak to a spinal specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible.

How can Nelsons help

If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with a member of our expert Medical Negligence team in DerbyLeicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.

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