Spire Healthcare has now launched an investigation into consultant orthopaedic surgeon Leslie Irwin, who is alleged to have carried out numerous unnecessary and substandard surgeries on patients.
The full scope of the case against Mr Irwin is currently unknown, but it is thought that his negligence could have affected a significant number of patients during his time practising at the Spire hospital.
Spire Washington Hospital is now proactively contacting Mr Irwin’s previous patients and is asking any patients with concerns to make contact with them as soon as possible.
Have you or someone you loved been affected by the case against Leslie Irwin?
If you’ve been affected by the case against Leslie Irwin, or you are concerned about the treatment you or a loved one has received from a medical professional, our specialist solicitors are on hand to support you.
Speak to our leading surgery negligence solicitors about your case
Leslie Irwin was a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who practised at Sunderland Royal Hospital and Spire Washington Hospital. He is now under investigation for allegedly performing numerous unnecessary and harmful surgeries on multiple patients, though it is currently unknown exactly how many patients could have been mistreated.
Mr Irwin’s name is now included on a list alongside four other surgeons whose patients are subject to recall over concerns of negligent practices. Among the four others is disgraced breast surgeon Ian Paterson, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted for 17 counts of wounding with intent and 3 counts of unlawful wounding against 10 patients.
The investigation into Leslie Irwin
It is not yet known how many patients could have been affected by Leslie Irwin’s alleged negligent practices, or the extent of the harm they may have suffered.
In one case, a woman in her 40s underwent a staggering 30 surgical procedures over 20 years. Many of these procedures were carried out on her wrist, though some were also conducted on her hip and shoulder despite Mr Irwin specialising in wrist and arm surgery.
As a result of the many procedures, verified by independent medical evidence as “unnecessary and poorly performed”, the woman has now been told that she requires further surgery to prevent the risk of her arm ‘collapsing’.
Speaking of her case, the woman said: “I had absolutely no reason to suspect anything was wrong. I totally trusted Mr Irwin. But the reality of what I was told, and what I have subsequently found out, has genuinely been the most shocking and utterly devastating thing I could ever have imagined. Through everything that has happened, my life has been significantly impacted for nothing.”
What to do if you’ve been affected by the Leslie Irwin case
If you believe that you or someone you love could have suffered unnecessary harm due to negligent or substandard treatment, we strongly recommended that you speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as you are able to establish the circumstances of your case and your eligibility to make a claim for compensation.
Jodie Cook, a Senior Associate within Slater and Gordon’s medical negligence team, said: “Clearly this is extremely worrying for patients of Mr Irwin, with Spire Washington Hospital proactively highlighting their concerns around his work over an unknown time period – for our clients, and particularly our client who has been brave enough to share her ordeal, the impact has been absolutely devastating.
“We would urge anyone who has been under the care of Mr Irwin, who has concerns around the care they received, to get in touch as a matter of urgency.”
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
Undergoing any type of surgery can be an incredibly stressful time, and learning that the procedure was unnecessary or caused additional, avoidable harm can leave you struggling to know what to do and who to trust.
At Slater and Gordon, our surgical negligence lawyers have many years’ experience in handling these complex cases, working hard to ensure our clients not only achieve the best financial outcome, but that they are also able to access some of the best treatment and rehabilitation available, allowing them to focus on recovery knowing everything is in hand.
Our team are industry leaders and are consistently ranked highly in independent legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. We’re also proud to count trained nurses and medical professionals among our number, providing us with expert knowledge in-house and helping to ensure our clients receive a top-quality service tailored to their needs.
If you’ve been affected by the case against Leslie Irwin, or you are concerned about the treatment you or a loved one has received from a medical professional, our specialist solicitors are on hand to support you. Speak to us today.
Speak to our leading medical negligence solicitors today
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I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)