Dr John Hutchinson: Lawyers Investigate Patients’ Concerns Following Spinal Surgery In Bristol

Patients who suffered complications after undergoing spinal operations performed by the same Bristol surgeon have instructed lawyers to help secure answers.

A number of people operated on by John Hutchinson have asked expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their care and help them access specialist support.

Mr Hutchinson worked at NHS hospitals in Bristol, including Southmead Hospital and Bristol Children’s Hospital as well as treating patients privately at Spire Bristol Hospital.

A teenager who had rods inserted in her back as part of treatment for a curvature of the spine at the former Frenchay Hospital, and a student operated on at Spire Bristol are among those to instruct Irwin Mitchell.

Spire issued an active patient notification on Mr Hutchinson in 2019. The action sees the private company contact at least 10 patients about ‘concerns’ it has about the surgeon’s practice.

Spire Bristol has already revoked Mr Hutchinson’s practising privileges, according to the last update on its website in April.

The General Medical Council (GMC) has recently updated conditions (18th October 2023) on the doctor’s registration ensuring that: the GMC is notified of certain details about his work, he must only work for the North Bristol NHS Trust, and that he must be closely supervised by a clinical supervisor.

The GMC has also launched an investigation into the surgeon, which was escalated to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), and a fitness to practise hearing is now awaiting a date to commence.

Catherine Slattery, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the group of patients, said: “Our clients were hopeful that surgery would improve their condition. However, the first-hand accounts we’ve heard of about how they’ve continued to suffer for several years are incredibly worrying.

“Understandably those we represent have a number of concerns about the care they received and the standard of Mr Hutchinson’s surgery especially in light of the ongoing investigations and actions taken by Spire and the GMC.

“While nothing can make up for what they’ve been through, this GMC hearing will be a major milestone in being able to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“We continue to support our clients at this distressing time. If during the course of the hearing issues are identified, it’s vital that appropriate measures are taken to uphold patient safety.”