NHS Trust Death and Injury Investigation Sees Case Numbers Double
A police investigation into preventable deaths and injuries at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has doubled in scope, with Sussex Police now reviewing over 200 cases, up from 105 initially, BBC News has revealed. The investigation, which began in 2023, examines care provided between 2015 and 2021 in the trust’s neurosurgery and general surgery departments.
Sussex Police described the inquiry as “active and ongoing,” declining to provide further specifics. The investigation was launched after whistleblowers alleged medical negligence, including concerns surrounding at least 40 deaths. The increase in cases is attributed to more families contacting the police.
Separate from the police inquiry, the family of Wendy Gibbs, 80, has alleged that a senior surgeon misled her before a March 2024 operation at a private hospital in Brighton run by Nuffield Health. The surgeon, Marc Lamah, reportedly relocated the procedure to a different facility, citing a lack of essential equipment—equipment also unavailable at the new site. The operation resulted in a bowel injury, internal bleeding, and life-threatening complications, leaving Mrs. Gibbs permanently dependent on a stoma bag.
“I was betrayed. The trauma has been unbearable,” Mrs. Gibbs said. Her case falls outside the scope of the police investigation as it occurred after 2021.
With over 100 years combined medical experience, our medical professionals, have always acted in the best interests of the client and solicitor to prepare medical negligence reports as quickly as possible.
Surgeons and Trust Under Scrutiny
Concerns have also been raised about surgeon Carl Hardwidge, formerly of the trust’s neurosurgery department. The family of Stephen Coles, 66, allege that his 2021 death after surgery for a brain tumour was preventable, citing inadequate post-operative care. An expert consulted by the BBC agreed, stating that a tracheostomy should have been performed to secure his airway.
The trust has faced criticism over its neurosurgery department, with reports of delayed care and allegations of a “culture of fear.” A 2022 Royal College of Surgeons review found systemic issues, and whistleblowers have claimed patients were unnecessarily harmed.
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust stated it is cooperating fully with the police and acknowledged the need for further improvements. CEO George Findlay highlighted strides made since 2017 but admitted challenges persist. He said, “Despite these and other improvements, it is clear that some long-standing challenges remain, and it is also absolutely clear that we have much further to go in improving care and better supporting colleagues.”
The police investigation is expected to conclude by early 2025, with gross negligence and corporate manslaughter charges under consideration.
Alex Pett, Head of Clinical Negligence at UKExpertMedical said, “At UKExpertMedical, we are committed to supporting those seeking justice in the aftermath of medical negligence.
“This investigation highlights the importance of continually evaluating and improving patient care within healthcare systems. At UKExpertMedical, we understand how complex these situations can be and the profound impact they have on families.
“Our team of experienced medical professionals provides impartial and evidence-based expert reports that are essential for establishing the facts in these complex situations.
“Using our in-house team and panel of experts, we meticulously analyse medical records, treatment timelines, and clinical practices to identify deviations from the expected standard of care.
“Additionally, we can act as expert witnesses in court, offering authoritative testimony to support the pursuit of justice. By working closely with solicitors and families, we ensure that every case is thoroughly prepared, helping to secure fair outcomes and accountability.”
