Lawyers Contacted For Help As South London Healthcare NHS Trust Launches Investigation

By Dave Grimshaw

Medical law experts representing women treated by former gynaecologist Rod Irvine have urged any patients with concerns over treatment to contact a specialist information line which has been set up as part of a review into his work.
 
South London Healthcare NHS Trust is writing to around 2,000 women who had operations or other procedures undertaken by Mr Irvine, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who worked at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup, Bromley’s Princess Royal Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and a number of private clinics.
 
The move follows a sample review of 255 patients which raised some concern over the treatment given to 49 women and more serious issues related to 17 others. That review followed initial worries raised regarding Mr Irvine’s clinical practice in August 2012.
 
Any women treated by Mr Irvine who may have concerns about their treatment have been asked to contact an information line on 0800 044 5272. The General Medical Council (GMC) has also been notified and a GMC Interim Orders Panel has placed restrictions upon Mr Irvine's practice.
 
Cynthia Marshall, a solicitor and specialist in medical law at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is representing patients affected by the announcement related to Mr Irvine, said: “We have already heard first-hand of concerns raised regarding this and our clients, other patients and their families will all be desperate for answers over the issues identified in relation to Mr Irvine’s care.
 
“Patient safety should always be the top priority and it is vital that this review provides comprehensive answers and information regarding the issues identified, as well as clear steps as to how lessons can be learned from these problems.
 
“Many women will be scared and worried by this news and we would urge anyone with concerns to contact the information line which has been set up. By getting in touch, they could play an important part in supporting this review and the ongoing inquiries in relation to it.”

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