Numerous People Ask Irwin Mitchell To Investigate Shoulder Operations

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by nine people who underwent shoulder surgery at either Spire Leeds Hospital or Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital between 2013 and 2018.

Surgeon Michael Walsh performed procedures on all nine – five women and four men of various ages. Patients had been referred via the NHS Choose and Book system – designed to speed up waiting times by allowing patients to decide where to go for care.

The cases are the latest in hundreds of cases connected to surgeons carrying out procedures in private hospitals that Irwin Mitchell has been asked to investigate.

Other cases include securing settlements for dozens of patients operated on by disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson who was jailed for 20 years for wounding patients, including at Spire Parkway in Solihull.

The legal experts also represent more than 50 men and women who were treated by Dr Manu Nair who also worked at Spire Parkway as well as NHS hospitals and also appeared as an expert on TV show Embarrassing Bodies. The firm has also been instructed by more than 70 former NHS and private patients of the colorectal surgeon Tony Dixon who worked at Southmead and Spire Bristol Hospitals.

Irwin Mitchell has also been contacted by patients treated by Habib Rahman at Spire Parkway hospital after more than 200 were recalled for a review of their care.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand accounts we have heard from our clients and how they reported that their symptoms and pain appeared not to improve, and in some cases are reported to have worsened, following surgical procedures by Mr Walsh, are extremely worrying. We are now investigating these concerns.

“Once again serious fears regarding the care patients are receiving in private hospitals are in the spotlight.

“When patients elect for private care they expect to receive the same level of care as they would on the NHS.

“We now call for a major review of the private hospital system to ensure that patients’ needs and safety are always the top priority. It is vital that people are made aware of the advantages and disadvantages of going private so they can make an informed decision about their care.” Samuel Hill - Partner

Procedures included injections, keyhole surgery, shoulder replacements and surgery aimed at alleviating pain and mobility restrictions.

Mr Walsh carried out surgical procedures on eight clients at Spire Leeds and the other at Nuffield Leeds. All of the patients have since been referred to another surgeon.

Spire has carried out or is in the process of carrying out investigations into the care the eight patients received. Some of the investigations have sought a second opinion from another surgeon. Spire has acknowledged that in some cases ‘some areas of concern’ had been identified.

The cases where Irwin Mitchell is instructed are various stages of the legal process. These range from early investigations to a case where liability has been accepted by the NHS in the case of the patient who underwent treatment at Nuffield Leeds.

To find out more about our expertise in supporting those with concerns about healthcare go to our medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to one of our expert visit our contact us section or call 0370 1500 100.

Case Study

One of the patients to instruct Irwin Mitchell is a woman in her 40s from Leeds.

The mum-two underwent a surgical procedure performed by Mr Walsh in 2015 to remove calcium from her left shoulder. She continued to experience pain and received various steroid injections.

The woman, who does not want to be named, then underwent another procedure in 2017 to repair her right rotator cuff – the group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder. She had a dint in her shoulder from where bone had been removed.

She received further steroid injections in an attempt to manage the pain. In January 2018 she was advised that her rotator cuff had torn again and she would require further surgery.

The woman’s care was transferred from Mr Walsh to another surgeon. She underwent open surgery in May 2018 and attended regular physiotherapy sessions.

She has been told that it is likely she may require further surgery.

The woman said: “When I went to Spire Hospital I was hopeful that my condition would improve. However, the last few years have been a real struggle. The pain has been unbearable and has had a real impact on my life.

“I used to be outgoing and active but this has all changed now. Even basic things that people take for granted such as getting dressed or making a sandwich can be difficult because of the pain in my shoulder.  It’s been that bad that I had to give up my job which I was so passionate about and absolutely loved.

“I have a number of concerns about the care I have received. What makes it more worrying is that I’m not alone and there are other people who find themselves in the same situation.

“While nothing can make up for what I have been through, I feel that I at least deserve answers to the many questions I have.”