Further to the recent suspension of a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, NHS England have now confirmed that they are going to conduct a wider investigation into services at Addenbrookes.

The surgeon in question, who has not been named thus far, specialises in complex orthopaedic surgery and after concerns were raised by colleagues, an initial review was commissioned which looked at a number of complex paediatric hip surgery cases over a period of 2 ½ years. The review found that the outcomes of treatment for 9 children were below the expected standard.

Ronald Sinker, the Chief Executive of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has acknowledged the issues with the care provided, saying:

“I’m desperately sorry that we’ve let these nine children and their families down in this way. They deserve and should expect better than this”

A helpline has been launched for anyone who thinks that their child may have been impacted. The helpline number is 0808 175 6331 or you can also email any concerns to CUH.helpline@nhs.net.

As well as the NHS England investigation, the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is also now undertaking a retrospective review into all of the planned surgical operations carried out by the now suspended surgeon during their employment.

Although it is welcomed that both the Trust and NHS England are being so proactive in terms of their investigations, the failings in the care received are very concerning. It is strikingly similar to the recent investigations surrounding Mr Yaser Jabbar, the disgraced orthopaedic surgeon from Great Ormond Street, who was found to have carried out incorrect and unsuitable orthopaedic surgery on children, which has resulted in lasting damage. Although it does not appear, from the investigations into the suspended surgeon thus far, that there are any cases of amputation being required, this does not detract from the fact that significant and life altering harm has been caused to children.

Our Medical Negligence team have extensive experience in representing both children and adults who have experienced negligent orthopaedic surgery care and have secured substantial sums of compensation to help with their futures.

If your child has received orthopaedic treatment at Addenbrookes, or indeed any hospital in England or Wales, and feel that this may have been carried out to an inappropriate standard, please contact our Medical Negligence team on 01482 323697 to discuss how we can help.