Following an investigation, an NHS Trust have issued an apology after it was discovered that 13 people suffered physical harm following reconstructive surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgery (OFMS) team at the East Midlands hospital provided reconstructive surgery to people who suffered head and neck cancer. However, patients who received treatment from the team between 2009 and 2016 have subsequently reported problems in relation to talking, eating and swallowing.
Initial concerns about the department were raised by dental trainees in July 2016, and the service was subsequently suspended in November of the same year after a visit from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Leicester Royal Infirmary Report
Since 2016, Leicester Royal Infirmary have been in touch with over 100 patients who had received treatment from the OFMS team during the seven year period, who they believed might have received negligent treatment. This resulted in them finding that 13 people “definitely suffered physical harm” and one former patient reporting that they had suffered “psychological harm“.
Although, it is worth noting that 56 people out of the 101 contacted have yet to respond to the hospital.
In the report issued by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust this week, Andrew Furlong (Trust Medical Director) commented:
“Thirteen patients are felt to have definitely suffered physical harm, two patients possibly suffered physical harm and one patient has indicators to suggest psychological harm.
“We are now in the process of contacting the patients to inform them and discuss the review findings.”
The report went on to say that the surgeons, who worked in the OFMS team, were no longer performing surgery and had signed Behaviour Impact Agreements.
Comment
People diagnosed with cancer may require multiple gruelling and invasive treatments comprising of various different surgeries and therapies. It is a difficult and challenging time for not only the person facing treatment, but their loved ones as well.
At their most vulnerable, these people have been let down by the doctors they trusted the most. After the cancer has gone, the physical and psychological injuries they have been left with will be a constant reminder of the ordeal they have been through. They may also experience long-term effects which impact on their daily life.
If you have experienced long-term effects following surgery, then you might be able to make a claim for compensation for negligent surgery and/or treatment.
How can Nelsons help?
Carolle White is an Associate & Chartered Legal Executive in our expert Medical Negligence team.
At Nelsons, our expert team of solicitors are specialists in medical negligence claims and will guide you through the process of bringing a claim. If you have been affected by any of the points raised in this blog, please contact us on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
Our team prides itself on our friendly and professional service and we are always happy to discuss queries over the phone, via email or where appropriate at a meeting.