Woman Instructs Lawyers To Investigate Care After Undergoing Revision Surgery

A woman has spoken of her concern after an NHS investigation found nine patients suffered complications following weight loss surgery at a Bristol hospital. 

North Bristol NHS Trust launched an investigation after concerns were raised about 16 gastric bypass operations that had been conducted at Southmead Hospital.  

Bristol weight loss surgery investigation

A root cause analysis report said the investigation was launched after some patients developed complications. Further keyhole procedures were performed, identifying issues with nine patients who then underwent further revision surgery. 

It added that the nine patients suffered “moderate harm”.  The initial gastric bypass operations were carried out after the Trust standardised the way such surgery was carried out as it saved costs and reduced waiting and surgery times, the report said. Standardised operations would also improve safety as staff became familiar with one way of operating, it added. 

Medical negligence lawyers investigate patient's weight loss surgery concerns

One affected patient, who underwent revision surgery earlier this year, has now instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to further investigate her care under North Bristol NHS Trust. The woman, in her 40s doesn’t want to be named.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from our client about her care is very worrying. Understandably she has a number of concerns and questions about what happened.

“She hoped that gastric bypass surgery would improve her quality of life but instead she has faced a difficult few years, including undergoing further surgery.

“While we welcome the Trust’s investigation it’s vital that affected patients receive the care and support they require to come to terms with what has happened.

“We’re now investigating our client’s concerns to provide her with all of the answers she deserves. It’s also vital that lessons are learned from the issues identified in the Trust’s own report to improve patient care and safety for others.” Natalie Truman - Associate Solicitor

Southmead Hospital Bristol patients experience complications

Following 16 procedures carried out between February and November 2017 three patients “experienced early complications”, the root cause analysis report said. 

That month concerns were raised about the complications which had no apparent pattern. 

In February 2019 a series of patients started experiencing problems. During exploratory operations a new connection created in the small intestine during the original bypass procedures was found to be in the wrong position, the report found. 

Staff involved in the investigation were “open and fully co-operative” with, the report, dated December 2019, said. 

The Trust was to set up a standardised approach to collecting and monitoring potential complications following surgery. 

Grandma asks lawyers to investigate gastric bypass surgery

The woman underwent a gastric bypass at Southmead Hospital in November 2017. She was contacted by the Trust in October 2019 to be informed of the investigation. 

The woman, a mum-of-five and grandmother-of-11, remained under the supervision of the Trust. She started developing sickness after eating, and following investigations, her complication was identified. 

The woman underwent revision surgery in January this year after which she contacted Irwin Mitchell.

She said: “Surgery was something that I didn’t take lightly and was only accepted for it after a number of appointments to discuss things with the hospital’s weight management service. The surgery was important to me as I wanted to reduce my risk of a heart attack, stroke or other similar conditions from being overweight. I also wanted to be able to play with my grandchildren. 

“I’d hope my surgery would be the start of a new chapter in my life so it came as a huge shock when I was contacted and told about the investigation. 

“To find out that there were issues with my initial surgery and that I needed another operation to fix those issues was hard to accept. 

Woman wants answers over surgery

“It’s been an incredibly distressing time, not just physically with my symptoms and having further surgery but also emotionally. I want to look to the future but I remain fearful that I may still encounter problems. 

“I feel that I deserve answers as to why this has been allowed and hope that by speaking out it raises awareness to others who may be in a similar situation.” 

Find out more about our expertise in supporting patients and their families following surgery at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.