Lawyers Instructed For Help As South London Healthcare NHS Trust Investigates Treatment

By Helen MacGregor

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed to investigate the treatment of more than a dozen former patients of gynaecologist and surgeon Rod Irvine, whose treatment was the subject of an inquiry by South London Healthcare NHS Trust.

The NHS Trust has written to around 2,000 women who had operations or other procedures undertaken by Mr Irvine, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who worked at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup, Bromley’s Princess Royal Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and a number of private clinics. A specialist information line has also been established for patients as part of a review into his work.
 
Now expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have confirmed that they have been instructed by 15 of Rod Irvine’s former patients, some of whom were treated by the doctor several times and who allege they have suffered negligent treatment by the consultant.

The General Medical Council (GMC) has been notified and a GMC Interim Orders Panel has placed restrictions upon Mr Irvine's practice.

Cynthia Marshall, a specialist solicitor in the Medical Law and Patients’ Rights team at Irwin Mitchell’s London office is representing Mr Irvine’s former patients. She said: “We have heard first-hand of concerns raised regarding treatment by Rod Irvine and our clients, other patients and their families will all be desperate for answers over the issues identified in relation to Mr Irvine’s care.

“To be contacted by so many patients who were all affected by the same gynaecologist is extremely worrying. We are now investigating the care and treatment they have received which they believe fell below acceptable standards.

“Patient safety should always be the top priority and it is vital that any further reviews of his surgical practice provides comprehensive answers and information regarding the issues identified, as well as clear steps as to how lessons can be learned from these problems.
 
“Many women will be scared and worried by this news and we would urge anyone with concerns to contact the information line which has been set up. By getting in touch, they could play an important part in supporting this review and the ongoing enquiries in relation to it.”

The NHS carried out a sample review of 255 patients which raised some concern over the treatment given to 49 women and more serious issues related to 17 others. That review followed initial worries raised regarding Mr Rod Irvine’s clinical practice in August 2012.

If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of gynaecological negligence, we may be able to help you claim compensation. See our Medical Negligence Guide for more information.