‘Significant’ numbers of people come forward with Leslie Irwin concerns

People have come forward in “significant numbers” with concerns about a North East surgeon whose work is under investigation by a private healthcare provider.

Leslie Irwin, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who worked at Sunderland Royal Hospital and Spire Washington Hospital, has had his practicing privileges removed by Spire. He had practiced in the region since 1999, until his suspension by Spire in August 2023. Mr Irwin retired from the NHS in 2022.

The private provider is currently recalling patients who were operated on by Mr Irwin during his time at Spire Washington Hospital, at least some of whom were NHS patients, following “concerns” being raised around his work.

Independent medical evidence for one client, who underwent 30 operations by Mr Irwin in 20 years on her wrist – as well as her hip and shoulder, even though Mr Irwin is a specialist hand and wrist surgeon – highlighted a number of “poorly performed and unnecessary” surgeries.

While it is unknown how many patients are being recalled by Spire, since the story went public last week, lawyers Slater and Gordon have reported “significant” numbers of people getting in touch.

In response, the law firm has organised a free legal clinic at Sunderland’s Beacon of Light on Thursday, February 19, where anyone with concerns can come along to receive free legal advice and support from specialist lawyers.

“Understandably, it is deeply concerning that a surgeon who has practiced for so many years in two North East hospitals is under investigation for the standard of care he provided,” says John Lowther, a clinical negligence lawyer at Slater and Gordon in the North East, who is acting for a growing number of patients of Mr Irwin.

“It is fair to say we have received a significant number of enquiries already, and that is increasing by the day. While we cannot speculate on the scale of this investigation, the fact we have had so many people coming forward already really does give cause for concern.

“We will support these people in every way we can in finding out how and why things have gone wrong in their care, and do all we can to ensure they find the answers and accountability they need and deserve."

Slater and Gordon’s free-of-charge legal clinic will take place on Thursday, February 19, from 10am to 2pm, at the Beacon of Light, Stadium Park, Sunderland, SR5 1SN. You can pre-book an appointment here.