Another surgeon suspended
Following the recent release of findings from the Ian Paterson inquiry, Spire Healthcare has come under scrutiny once again as it has emerged that the healthcare provider suspended another surgeon in April 2018.
Mike Walsh, a specialist in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, was suspended by Spire over concerns about his patient treatment. Around 50 of his patients have been recalled to examine whether the treatment they received at the Spire Hospital in Leeds was appropriate.
A former patient said: “Having unnecessary surgery is very upsetting and extremely concerning. I lived with severe pain for over a year following the operation. I have two young children and the pain was so horrendous that I couldn’t be involved in everyday family activities. I was unable to work, to drive and struggled to sleep. I do not want anyone else to go through unnecessary procedures, which is why I have spoken out about my case, to encourage others to come forward.”
Spire said its investigation into his actions had also been shared with the Care Quality Commission and the General Medical Council. The company confirmed that he was no longer working with them in any capacity. According to the GMC website, he has not been able to work in the UK as a doctor since January 2019 and has no licence to practice.
Spire Healthcare under pressure
The firm was already under pressure following the findings of the independent inquiry into breast surgeon Ian Paterson. Paterson operated at Spire Healthcare hospitals across the Midlands and was jailed in 2017 for carrying out multiple inappropriate operations. In addition, Spire Healthcare has also had to recall 217 patients who received treatment from Habib Rahman, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull, after an investigation into his conduct by the Royal College of Surgeons recommended the recall.
Ally Taft, a partner with Medical Accident Group, said: “The continuing investigation into Mike Walsh’s conduct as a surgeon is alarming. It raises questions about whether enough structural oversight is in place within Spire Healthcare to prevent cases where surgeons like Walsh, Paterson and Rahman are able to practise with impunity.”
What should I do if I received treatment from Mike Walsh?
If you or a family member have received treatment from Mr Walsh and wish to pursue a claim, Medical Accident Group is here to help. We have a team of dedicated clinical negligence solicitors who will guide you through the process of making a claim.
The Medical Accident Group has considerable experience in this field, having successfully assisted several former patients of Ian Paterson in clinical negligence claims against the former surgeon.
Get in touch with our team now on 0800 050 1668 or email us at [email protected].
