Medical Negligence Lawyers Supporting Man Who Is Among 600 Patients Recalled

A Walsall dad operated on by a surgeon who was sacked following a recall of hundreds of his patients has revealed he’s still impacted by what happened 12 years later.

Adam Anslow has been left unable to do many of things he used to take for granted both at work and at home as a result of the botched surgery that took place at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Investigation found treatment ‘did not reach the standards’ expected

He is one of around 600 patients operated on by Mian Munawar Shah where a review has found the medic’s treatment of Adam “did not reach the standards” health bosses would expect.

Adam, 42, asked expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and help him access the specialist support and therapies he requires.

Adam is among a growing group of patients operated on by Mr Shah at either Walsall Manor Hospital or Spire Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield to instruct the law firm.

Tim Annett is a specialist group actions medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing those affected.

Expert Opinion

“The number of patients operated on by Mr Shah found to have received sub-standard treatment is staggering.

“Instead of proper treatment and care, hundreds have been left to face ongoing symptoms, and in some cases, further surgeries.

“A review of Adam’s treatment found several issues in the care he received and it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.

“Many of our other clients still face an uncertain future with the prospect of further revision surgery. The first priority must be to ensure those patients affected are supported, not only in receiving the answers they deserve, but to access any ongoing care they require.” Tim Annett

Medical negligence: Adam Anslow's story

Adam, a logistics team leader, sustained an injury to his left wrist when playing football on 15 April 2013. After an X-Ray, the wrist was put in plaster. Adam was told there was a fracture and to return in three weeks’ time. The plaster was removed, although Adam could tell his wrist was weaker than before. Mr Shah advised him to have a review in six weeks and if the fracture was still present after six months, he may require surgery.

On 28 May 2014 he was told the fracture was still not united and Adam was told he would need surgery, which took place on 27 October 2014. Adam was cleared to go home the same day. At a follow up appointment on 14 November 2014, Adam was told his wrist was healing well and he was given a cast, which was removed on 19 December 2014. Adam was then discharged from follow up on 11 June 2015.

By the summer of 2016, Adam noticed a lot of swelling around the surgery site. He could feel the screw that had been inserted and his joint pain was increasing. He was also finding it difficult to use his hand for everyday tasks, such as changing gears in the car.

Adam referred back to Mr Shah and advised he needed further surgery

After consulting his GP in July 2016, Adam was referred back to Mr Shah, who told him on 6 October 2016 that there was still a fracture line visible and he needed further surgery.

Adam had to delay his planned surgery due to supporting his wife during her pregnancy. He was also busy at work and had to wait until 19 July 2018 to see Mr Shah again. A revision and bone graft operation was subsequently performed on 23 October that year.

However, four days later Adam was back in hospital with pain and nausea.

His stitches were removed on 18 November 2018 and Adam saw Mr Shah for the last time on 28 January 2019.  Again, however, he continued to experience pain as well as reduced mobility of the joint and a reduced grip. A further X-Ray revealed the joint was still not healing together.

At this point, Adam was referred to a specialist hand unit at another hospital.  He underwent further surgery on 6 March 2023 and was discharged on 29 June 2023.

Review undertaken concludes there were 'concerns' over treatment

Following a review of his care, the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust apologised to Adam. A review concluded there were “concerns about the treatment [Adam was] offered” and that “overall, the assessor reached the opinion that your treatment under Mr Shah did not reach the standards we would expect and felt that this resulted in causing you harm.”

Adam said: “I could never have imagined that what appeared to be a simple wrist injury would have had such an impact on my life or would still be a problem 12 years later.

“I was first notified about an investigation into my initial care in 2022, but I’d already become suspicious of Mr Shah after his final surgery on me. He didn’t seem to know what he was doing so while the letter from the hospital wasn’t exactly a surprise, it is upsetting to realise the outcome should have been very different.

“After I was referred elsewhere, the care was much better and far more professional.  I was also offered physiotherapy, which I hadn’t been before.”

Dad-of-four reveals he's taking it 'a day at a time'

He added: “My wrist is now much better than it was, but because of the initial botched surgery, certain options were no longer possible. Even now, there’s a general weakness that impacts everything, from simply opening jars and changing gear to picking up my young daughter. We are currently looking to upgrade to an automatic car and my wife had to learn to drive so it wouldn’t all fall on me.

“The latest operation has been a distinct improvement, but the damage was done. I’m restricted in what I can do, so going to the gym and playing football again was out of the question, my sleep is disturbed due to the pain and I have to avoid banging my wrist or even lying on it.

“Over the years, there’s just been further frustration after each operation. So many things could have been done to avoid the problems I’m still having today.

“It may be that further surgery is needed in the future but for now I’m taking it a day at a time. I can only hope that by speaking about my experience, it may help others in the same situation.”

In 2020, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust contacted the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), which carried out a general review of surgery. This led to a review into Mr Shah's individual work.

Following a recommendation by the RCS, the Hospital Trust last year recalled up to 600 patients.

The Trust subsequently sacked Mr Shah. Spire Healthcare has also recalled patients who had surgery performed by Mr Shah at Spire Little Aston Hospital.

Support available

Irwin Mitchell is among the law firms to sign up a protocol scheme ensuring legal cases arising from treatment carried out by Mr Shah are resolved as quickly as possible. Patients who underwent procedures as an NHS patient at either Walsall Manor or at Spire Little Aston are eligible to enter the scheme.

Find out more about how we're supporting patients operated on by Mr Shah at our dedicated Mian Munawar Shah claims section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 03700 1500 100.