'Eight women harmed' by Royal Derby Hospital gynaecology consultant

Colleagues at Royal Derby Hospital raised concerns about the consultant

At least eight women have been "unnecessarily harmed" as a result of being treated by the same obstetrics and gynaecology consultant, a review has found.

They had all undergone major surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, at Royal Derby Hospital.

A further 136 women who were treated by the consultant are being contacted.

The hospital trust believes the number of women found to have been harmed might rise.

"I would like to express my sincere regret and apologies to any patients who may have received a standard of care that is below that expected," said Dr Magnus Harrison, executive medical director of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust.

"The trust took immediate action as soon as serious concerns about specific aspects of this consultant's practice were brought to our attention."

'Lapses in care'

The consultant is not currently working at the trust, and has not undertaken any clinical activity there since June 2018.

The initial review began after concerns were raised by colleagues of the consultant in late 2018.

It looked at the treatment given to 58 women and identified eight cases where "lapses in care" had "resulted in unnecessary harm". It has not said what harm was caused to the women.

The trust said complications can happen with surgical procedures, but the rate of "serious complications" noted in the sample was higher than would usually be expected.

It has asked NHS England to establish an independent clinical review of the wider work of the consultant, which is why a further 136 women have been contacted. They have been informed their patient records will be confidentially shared as part of the NHS England review.

Dr Harrison added: "We will be working closely with NHS England to establish the full facts and will provide all the necessary support they need during their review."