Announcement Means Law Firms’ Patients Will Receive Settlements To Access Specialist Support Sooner

Specialist lawyers representing private healthcare patients operated on by mesh surgeon Tony Dixon have set up a first of its type scheme to ensure legal cases are settled as quickly as possible.

Legal teams acting for Tony Dixon’s private hospital patients have reached an agreement with the former surgeon’s representatives over a protocol for the investigation and settlement of claims.

Mr Dixon carried out scores of mesh procedures at Spire Hospital in Bristol. 

The protocol has been set up by law firms Irwin Mitchell and Thompsons Solicitors in conjunction with the Medical Protection Society which is representing Mr Dixon.

Lawyers representing hundreds of patients operated on by Tony Dixon

The law firms are representing hundreds of men and women who underwent surgery performed by Mr Dixon either at the privately-run Spire Bristol Hospital or at Southmead Hospital, formerly Frenchay Hospital in the city. NHS patients don’t fall under this scheme. They are represented as part of a protocol previously agreed between lawyers and the NHS.   

Irwin Mitchell's expertise in helping patients

While Irwin Mitchell has successfully run protocol schemes previously, it is the first time such an agreement has been launched between law firms and a body representing medical professionals to support private healthcare patients. 

Only patients represented by Irwin Mitchell or Thompsons are eligible, at present.

Expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell continue to represent around 90 patients operated on by Mr Dixon, including more than 50 private healthcare patients. They have already secured settlements for a number of others to help them access the specialist care and support they require.  

Expert Opinion

“For a long time now, many patients have held serious concerns about how appropriate the surgeries Mr Dixon performed were, or even whether they needed surgery at all. Some of our clients woke from surgery having had multiple procedures which they had not consented to.

“Official reviews into Mr Dixon’s practice have highlighted extremely worrying care issues.

“Our focus has always been on supporting those we represent to provide them not only with the answers, but the redress, they deserve.

“This first of its type protocol means rather than our clients having to go through protracted litigation, which can sometimes cause additional distress and delay, the parties will work together to resolve cases more efficiently. Vitally this means our clients will receive settlements sooner, allowing them to access the specialist care and support they require to try and move on with their lives the best they can.

“Sadly we continue to hear disturbing first-hand accounts from former patients of Mr Dixon, many of whom have serious continuing disabilities. Therefore not only is it important that we continue to represent them to receive the help and support they need, it’s vital that all lessons possible are learned to improve patient safety going forward.

“More widely where negligent treatment is provided by a clinician operating in a private setting liability lies with that person. Private healthcare providers should ensure they have appropriate insurance or indemnity in place so that if anything does go wrong patients can be compensated to the level they deserve.” Luke Trevorrow - Senior Associate

Tony Dixon review

Mr Dixon performed procedures known as Laparoscopic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy and Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) operations. They involved using mesh and surgical staples. Many were carried out in response to bowel problems or childbirth. 
 
In May 2022 an official review into 387 cases performed by Mr Dixon concluded that 203 patients were classed as suffering harm. 

The review by North Bristol Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, looked at cases between 2007 and 2017. The Trust said it had notified 203 NHS patients that, although their LVMR operation was carried out ‘satisfactorily,’ they should have been offered alternative treatments before proceedings to surgery. 

As a result these people suffered ‘harm’, a Trust Board meeting report said. 

The review looked into NHS patients who Mr Dixon operated on at Southmead Hospital, formerly Frenchay Hospital, or the privately-run Spire Hospital in Bristol under NHS waiting list arrangements. 

North Bristol Trust sacked Mr Dixon in 2019. Spire has revoked the surgeon’s practising privileges.

A review by Spire into Mr Dixon’s practice at the private hospital is ongoing. 

A General Medical Council inquiry into the operations carried out by Mr Dixon will take place at a later date.