A woman who has had shoulder surgery almost every year since the early 1990s by a surgeon who is now under investigation has spoken of the devastating impact it has had on her life – and how she has become addicted to morphine as a result of the pain she continues to suffer.

The woman, now in her 60s, was initially referred to Leslie Irwin at Sunderland Royal Hospital by her GP after experiencing pain in her left shoulder. She had surgery to remove calcium build-up – and underwent a similar procedure almost every year since until Mr Irwin’s retirement in 2022. Her right shoulder also experienced pain in the later 1990s, and Mr Irwin performed surgeries on that too.

In 2021, she also underwent two operations on her right middle finger by Mr Irwin, following concerns she raised with him about her arthritis. Both surgeries failed, and she has since had to have her joint removed and her finger is fused.

Following the retirement of Mr Irwin, the woman was referred to another consultant – and last year, was forced to undergo a left shoulder replacement, such was the damage caused by years of surgeries. She may also need further surgery on her right shoulder.

Her mobility in both shoulders is significantly reduced, and she has been left reliant on such high levels of morphine she cannot now live without it.

Mr Irwin, who also practiced at Spire Washington Hospital, has been banned from practicing by the private healthcare provider since 2023. He has also de-registered himself from the GMC.

“I have terrible ongoing pain from all the surgery. Things are so much worse now with my shoulders than they ever were. I struggle to leave the house. If it wasn’t for my husband, I wouldn’t get out of bed – I struggle with basic things, and I can’t do the things I love like going swimming or cooking,” says the woman, from Wearside.

“I saw Mr Irwin for over 30 years and he was just a lovely, lovely gentleman. His bedside manner was fantastic and I came to know him quite well, we were on first name terms. I of course trusted everything he said and everything I was told by him.

“I am now in constant pain and I am so ashamed of the fact I am addicted to morphine. This is what has been caused and I have had so many surgeries now there is probably little else that can be done because my shoulders are in such poor state. This is my life now and it upsets me so much.

“When I saw the publicity about Mr Irwin, I was absolutely shocked. He was so lovely, but clearly my case is not a one-off. Sunderland Royal Hospital has questions to answer, that is for sure.”

Law firm Slater and Gordon has been investigating cases against Mr Irwin for many months, and is acting for growing numbers of people who are raising concerns about their treatment, both at Sunderland Royal Hospital and Spire Washington Hospital

“Over 30 years, this woman has undergone many, many surgeries, and unfortunately now lives with significantly restricted shoulder mobility and experiences significant pain. Her dependence on morphine is a really devastating consequence, and with everything combined, has impacted her quality of life significantly,” says John Lowther, specialist clinical negligence lawyer at Slater and Gordon in the North East.

“Clearly, there are many questions here, and we will support our client in finding the answers she needs and deserves. To anyone for whom this story sounds all too familiar, we would urge them to come forward like this lady bravely has – we are committed to supporting people in finding out what went so wrong in their care.”