It has been reported that seven patients have died following failures by a heart surgeon at the Freeman Hospital, which is part of the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The surgeon, whom we are choosing not to name, is continuing to work within the NHS and although not currently operating on patients, is planning to resume surgeries in the future.

There has been an investigation into the conduct of the surgeon, in respect of whom concerns were first raised in 2018 by colleagues. Shockingly, there was a 3 year delay in investigation commencing and the outcome of the investigation was equally shocking in that it was found that there were numerous surgical errors and that the surgeon was carrying out operations that they were not skilled or experienced enough to perform.

22 cases were investigated and it was found that the surgeon showed evidence of poor insight into their own level of competence and that there was a failure to seek help from more senior colleagues. It was found that the surgeon’s failings contributed to poor outcomes. The surgeon was involved in complicated cases and as part of the investigation, it could not be determined why they had taken on such complicated cases, aside from noting that they were ‘an enthusiastic surgeon with inadequate insight into their skills and experience’.

Frankly, this should never have happened; it is imperative that surgeons perform with the remit of their skillset and that they defer to colleagues who have the necessary skills and experience when they do not.

There have been calls by bereaved family members for the surgeon to not be permitted to practice as a surgeon again but it appears that the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are standing behind the surgeon, in spite of the findings against them. There is also an ongoing investigation by the General Medical Council into the surgeon and the outcome of this may result in restrictions on their ability to practice.

The findings of the investigation will understandably give rise to concern as to the state of cardiac services at the Freeman Hospital, with it being separately reported that internal reports have criticised poor governance procedures and a reluctance from senior staff to take responsibility for safety concerns. Patients should be able to undergo lifesaving surgeries with the reassurance that the doctors helping them are appropriately skilled to do so and that they will not put them at further risk of harm.

If you or a loved one have undergone cardiac surgery at the Freeman Hospital and have a poor outcome which you consider may have been avoidable, please contact our clinical negligence team to discuss how we can help. We have significant experience of investigating and successfully pursuing claims in respect of cardiac care and surgery and whilst we recognise that a claim cannot undo the harm that has been caused, it can secure much needed answers and justice, as well as the reassurance of financial compensation.