08.08.2014
Facial reconstruction specialist Dr Roger Bainton was first given a suspension following concerns surrounding the death of one of his patients in 2000 at an Aberdeen hospital. He was accused of gross professional misconduct and left the role. In 2005, he was taken on as a surgeon at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
However, ITV News reports that it has seen a letter detailing that the North Staffordshire hospital did in fact know about the doctor's previous suspension, leading to questions about why he was hired in the first place.
During his time in this role, concerns were once again raised regarding the care he was providing to patients, leading to another suspension in February 2013 and an investigation to be launched by the Royal College of Surgeons.
The review found he carried out "unnecessary surgery" on several occasions and that a significant number of patients had "come to harm in his care".
In light of this, the treatment of 88 individuals operated on by the doctor is to be looked into further.
It has been discovered that between 2007 and 2012, Dr Bainton carried out an experimental procedure on 33 patients, using an unproven technique to implant an untested bone substitute into their eye sockets, which has left many of them in considerable pain.
This only came to an end after colleagues raised concerns about Dr Bainton's work.
One of his former patients, Donna Dillon, who still experiences significant amounts of pain following a procedure in which Dr Bainton operated on her, said: "If they hadn't have employed this guy, none of this would have happened. While he's living his high life, we're still suffering."
The North Staffordshire hospital told ITV that it looks at references for all its recruits and had carried out its own investigation into the matter, finding that just 18 patients had suffered harm in the doctor's care.
Significant Harm Was Caused To Patients In The Care Of A Suspended Surgeon
A surgeon suspended from a previous role for gross misconduct was still allowed to operate on patients at another hospital, despite it knowing about his past.Facial reconstruction specialist Dr Roger Bainton was first given a suspension following concerns surrounding the death of one of his patients in 2000 at an Aberdeen hospital. He was accused of gross professional misconduct and left the role. In 2005, he was taken on as a surgeon at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
However, ITV News reports that it has seen a letter detailing that the North Staffordshire hospital did in fact know about the doctor's previous suspension, leading to questions about why he was hired in the first place.
During his time in this role, concerns were once again raised regarding the care he was providing to patients, leading to another suspension in February 2013 and an investigation to be launched by the Royal College of Surgeons.
The review found he carried out "unnecessary surgery" on several occasions and that a significant number of patients had "come to harm in his care".
In light of this, the treatment of 88 individuals operated on by the doctor is to be looked into further.
It has been discovered that between 2007 and 2012, Dr Bainton carried out an experimental procedure on 33 patients, using an unproven technique to implant an untested bone substitute into their eye sockets, which has left many of them in considerable pain.
This only came to an end after colleagues raised concerns about Dr Bainton's work.
One of his former patients, Donna Dillon, who still experiences significant amounts of pain following a procedure in which Dr Bainton operated on her, said: "If they hadn't have employed this guy, none of this would have happened. While he's living his high life, we're still suffering."
The North Staffordshire hospital told ITV that it looks at references for all its recruits and had carried out its own investigation into the matter, finding that just 18 patients had suffered harm in the doctor's care.
If you've experienced negligent treatment from your doctor you might be entitled to compensation. Visit our Doctor Negligence Claims page for more information.
Expert Opinion
The fact that a surgeon who had been suspended was allowed to move to a different hospital and continue operating on patients is truly shocking. Disciplinary measures such as suspensions are in place to ensure patients receive the best possible care and are treated by qualified and well-trained professionals. It is vital the University of North Staffordshire carries out a thorough investigation into how Dr Bainton was hired following his suspension. If wider failings are uncovered by the investigation, it is crucial the NHS conducts a further review into hiring procedures. <br/> <br/>“All too often we have seen the problems that can be caused when patients receive sub-standard care. In this case many patients are continuing to suffer pain and it is vital these individuals are given answers as to why this occurs and are reassured that similar incidents will not occur in the future.” Mandy Luckman - Partner
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Director of Strategic Growth (Seriously Injured and Vulnerable Audience)
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