Introduction to the Investigation
A series of missed opportunities has been uncovered by an investigation into hundreds of operations involving children at an NHS hospital by a surgeon. The surgeon, who was suspended from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge earlier this year, had performed operations that were "below the expected standard".
Background of the Investigation
The hospital trust failed to comply with an external auditor’s recommendations for its work in 2016, which was considered a “crucial missed opportunity”. The investigation found that if appropriate measures had been taken, they "likely would have reduced harm to pediatric orthopedic patients".
Findings of the Investigation
The research was commissioned by the hospital and carried out by an independent investigation company. The investigation examined around 700 planned and 100 emergency operations involving the surgeon, including adults. The findings of the investigation revealed a number of deficiencies in the surgeon’s practice, which persisted for years while their caseload and patient complexity increased.
Response to the Investigation
The hospital trust has accepted the findings and recommendations of the investigation and has apologized to the affected patients. The trust has also imposed restrictions on the surgeon, including close supervision by a clinical supervisor in all their posts.
Recommendations
The investigation made a number of recommendations, including clearer routing regulations, mentoring and buddying arrangements for new consultants, and the creation of reliable records for future reviews. The hospital trust has committed to implementing these recommendations and has published an action plan outlining the changes it will make.
Conclusion
The investigation has highlighted a number of missed opportunities and deficiencies in the hospital trust’s response to concerns about the surgeon’s practice. The trust has acknowledged its failures and has committed to learning from the investigation and making changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has been described as "difficult reading" by the hospital’s chief executive, who has apologized to the affected patients and families.
