Lawyer's concern as cases of alleged medical negligence at University Hospitals Sussex double to more than 200
Across the last 16 years, I’ve represented dozens of clients impacted by medical negligence involving traumatic life-changing injuries or the death of a loved one.
Such incidents at an NHS Trust or private healthcare provider don't tend to be widespread to the extent where repeating patterns, involving an external criminal investigation, emerge. Police involvement in medical negligence cases are atypical and deeply concerning.
Reports police investigating more than 200 cases of preventable death and serious injury at Sussex hospitals
Therefore, I was concerned to see reports today that police have doubled the number of cases of alleged preventable deaths and serious injury they're investigating at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust to more than 200. The cases under investigation span from 2015 to 2021. The police originally became involved after four whistleblowers raised allegations of medical negligence within separate departments at the Trust.
The emerging reports within the press indicate a concerning pattern of patients suffering life-changing injuries and preventable deaths.
Vital adverse patient safety outcomes investigated
When an adverse patient safety outcome occurs, it's the fundamental responsibility of the NHS Trust concerned to carry out a full investigation to identify any patterns, ensure the cause is identified and lessons are learnt. This mandatory process of clinical governance is vitally important to avoid repeated failings and identify areas for improvement in patient safety.
If systemic changes are not brought about following such incidents, the NHS Trust concerned runs a very real risk of future preventable adverse patient outcomes. In addition, the reported ‘culture of fear’ and ‘bullying’ at the Trust, further creates an environment for such incidents to go unreported, resulting in further risks to patient safety.
It’s very unusual for police to investigate an NHS Trust as medical negligence cases are often civil matters and not subject to criminal investigation. It’s clear there are significant and widespread patient safety concerns at the Trust.
Supporting families affected by care issue including at Brighton's Royal Sussex Hospital
I represented a family impacted by substandard medical care, resulting in the death of a family member after surgical treatment at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton. During this legal claim, it came to light that the Trust was subject to an ongoing police investigation involving a significant number of medical negligence cases.
I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing developments with the police investigation into this NHS Trust.
It’s now vital that patients and families with care concerns are supported at this upsetting time so they can not only receive answers but access to any specialist support or rehabilitation they may require as a result of previous treatment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s hoped that investigations into the Hospital Trust help lead to fundamental changes to improve patient safety and avoid other patients suffering such avoidable harm in the future.
We will continue to monitor the emerging police investigation into the Trust and we will continue to discuss the legal developments and implications as more information comes to light.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families concerned about their hospital care at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.
