Medical Negligence Lawyers Say It’s Vital That Concerned Families Now Supported To Receive Answers And Access To Specialist Help

Specialist medical negligence lawyers have spoken of their concern after a surgeon who operated on children at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge was suspended.  

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) commissioned an external review after staff raised concerns about a surgeon’s practice at the renowned hospital. 

Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge hip surgery review finds children received operations "below expected standards" 

The Trust today said that an independent expert found operations involving nine children fell “below expected standards”. It added that the care some children received had “impacted on their quality of life.” 

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office have now called for the most thorough and transparent investigation to be carried out to ensure lessons are learned. 

Guy Forster is a legal expert who represents families affected by surgery failings.

Expert Opinion

“The external review’s findings are extremely disturbing. While we welcome the Trust’s pledge to contact the families it says have been identified as suffering substandard surgery, no doubt many other parents will have questions and concerns regarding their child’s care.

“The impact of substandard care should never be downplayed. It can have devastating and life-long consequences.

“It’s now vital that families are supported so they can be provided not only with the answers they deserve, but where appropriate, their children can get access to any follow up treatment and rehabilitation they may require.

“We call on the Trust to conduct the most thorough and open investigation so all issues and areas for improving patient safety are identified. Transparency is key to upholding public confidence in the NHS.” Guy Forster

Surgeon suspended as part of Cambridge Hospital Trust's review into paediatric hip surgery cases

CUH said it launched the review in October 2024. It considered a number of complex paediatric hip surgery cases performed by its orthopaedic service over the past two-and-a-half years. 
As a precaution the Trust said it had restricted the surgeon’s clinical practice. 

The review was completed in January, following which the surgeon has been suspended. 

Roland Skinner, chief executive of CUH, apologised for what had happened and said the Trust would contact affected families.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting children and families affected by surgery issues at our dedicated surgery claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.