Doctor falsified mesh notes, medical hearing finds

Tony Dixon was suspended after surgery he pioneered was found to have caused harm to hundreds of patients at two hospitals

A surgeon found to have left patients in agony after using artificial mesh to treat prolapsed bowels has been found to have falsified medical notes.

Tony Dixon was suspended after the surgery was found to have caused harm to hundreds of patients at two hospitals in Bristol.

Now a new hearing has examined Dr Dixon's records and found he dishonestly created patient records long after he was involved in their care.

Former mesh patient Jill Smith, from Westbury-on-Trym in Bristol, said Mr Dixon "should never work again". Mr Dixon said he "has very many satisfied patients but respects the findings of the tribunal". He also apologises to those he may have let down.

A spokesperson for Mr Dixon added: "Mr Dixon has disputed the allegations throughout the tribunal hearing and is disappointed by the factual determination.

"Mr Dixon has always endeavoured to provide the highest standard of care to his patients."

Lee and Jill Smith say Tony Dixon should be struck off

Mrs Smith, 71, has received a settlement from Mr Dixon after paying privately to have a fisher operation but she claims she ended up having three meshes implanted without her consent which left her in severe pain and suffering from breakdowns.

She told the BBC that her own experience meant she was not surprised the tribunal had found dishonesty, adding: "It's just he is saying one thing and writing something else and you just feel a bit strange about it all, that it's corrupt and lying.

"It makes people feel, me as well, disappointed, disillusioned."

Another former patient, Paula Goss, said: "Going off the previous tribunal where he ( Tony Dixon) had a minimal sanction, we just hope the GMC will do the right thing and find the severest sanction considering now it has been proved he was dishonest - striking him off is what all of us ex-patients hope for."

Two investigations at Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol have previously found Mr Dixon caused harm to hundreds of people by carrying out operations that were not necessary.

Spire has since said private hospitals now can access patient notes without having to rely on copies from consultants.

The tribunal had examined claims medical records for seven patients contained false information and were not created at the correct time.

It found that as part of a Spire review, Mr Dixon disclosed medical records for several patients that were created after his involvement in their care. It found his actions would have given the false impression that the Spire records were contemporaneous.

It also found patient records disclosed to the solicitors of four patients who were suing him contained false information.

Mr Dixon was also found to have failed to adequately explain the complications of a re-look laparotomy in 2017.

A final decision over what sanctions will be taken against Mr Dixon is expected this summer.

Dr Dixon had previously built up an international reputation as the go-to expert for patients with prolapsed bowels.

He used a technique known as mesh rectopexy to treat bowel problems.

Through the procedure, mesh implants are placed into the body to treat pelvic organ prolapse which can occur after childbirth.

The mesh, which is usually made from synthetic polypropylene, is intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue.

At the point of his suspension in 2024, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) said Dr Dixon's "misconduct was so serious that action needed be taken to protect members of the public".

But, the tribunal considered that a longer period of suspension would be unduly punitive, especially taking into account the period that Dr Dixon had already been the subject of fitness to practise proceedings.

Both Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol apologised to victims after his suspension.