Irwin Mitchell Continuing Investigating Allegations Of Negligence Against Uro-Gynaecologist Mr Arunkalaivanan

Specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed proposals by Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust to set up a special scheme to manage cases involving treatment by uro-gynaecologist Mr Arun.

Irwin Mitchell has been instructed by a number of ladies bringing legal claims against Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust amidst investigations into the former surgeon’s practices. 

In January 2009, the Trust took the decision to instruct its staff to stop implanting synthetic mesh as a first-line surgical treatment option for a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. The decision was made following the release of national guidelines from NICE and after international concerns were raised over the safety and long term effectiveness of these medical devices.

Despite the Trust’s decision to stop offering mesh treatment as a primary repair for this condition, it appears that consultant uro-gynaecologist Mr Arunkalaivanan, (known as Mr ‘Arun’), continued to perform such operations.

The Trust is now proposing a settlement protocol to manage the claims brought against Mr Arun. The precise details of the protocol are yet to be finalised, but it is hoped the protocol will provide a cost effective and efficient way of handling compensation claims.

Irwin Mitchell is already working on similar schemes involving other doctors in both Yorkshire and London and say it is the most efficient way for patients to have their cases resolved.

Sallie Booth, a Partner and legal expert in Irwin Mitchell’s product liability team who specialises in cases related to defective medical devices, said: 

Expert Opinion

“We are well aware of the devastating effects synthetic mesh implants can have on patients, causing debilitating pain and reducing quality of life significantly.

“The proposal by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust to establish a scheme for the resolution of these claims is welcomed on behalf of our clients. Such a process will hopefully mean that claims are resolved more quickly, more efficiently and more cost effectively.

“We have worked with the NHS to set up schemes in similar situations where there have been a lot of people affected in a similar way and it is the least confrontational way of securing patients the help and support they need to be able to move on with their lives.

“It is important for ladies who feel they may have been affected to contact the Trust and seek further medical advice. Patients can also seek legal advice if they remain dissatisfied with the treatment they have received.” Sallie Booth - Partner

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