More Than 300 Patients In North West ‘Did Not Get Follow-Up Checks’

Lawyers representing a number of people affected by problems with metal-on-metal hip implants have revealed their concerns regarding new reports that many patients have been left at risk of harm due to a lack of post-surgery checks.

A review has revealed that more than 330 patients were given the implants at four Greater Manchester hospitals between 2001 and 2011, but none of them received follow-up checks including X-rays and blood tests as recommended.

The BBC reports that the review by the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group – which related to Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General, North Manchester General and Royal Oldham – as a ‘serious incident’.

Northern Care Alliance, which became responsible for the hospitals in 2016, has issued an apology regarding the problems.

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who represent a number of patients who faced problems in relation to metal-on-metal hip implants, have said that this new report raises a number of concerns.

Expert Opinion

“We are already dealing with cases arising from failures to recall patients with metal-on-metal hips, with such issues often leading those affected to suffer serious harm. As such, a review of this kind raises concerns that this is a more widespread problem than people might imagine.

“Both the NHS and private healthcare providers have clear responsibilities when it comes to monitoring patients with metal-on-metal implants and it is absolutely vital that they meet these.

“The safety of patients must always come first and it is absolutely vital that lessons are learned from issues like this so that the same problems are never seen again in the future.” Tim Annett - Partner

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