Leslie Irwin: Patient operated on at Spire Washington Hospital reveals ongoing issues after “poor” surgery  

A HR Assistant who suffered “harm” as a result of treatment carried out by orthopaedic surgeon Leslie Irwin has spoken out for the first time.

Lindsey Randall, 62, who lives in South Shields with her husband Peter, 66, underwent two separate hand surgeries performed by Mr Irwin at Spire Washington Hospital between 2019 and 2020.

However, she went on to suffer with constant pain in both hands.

Investigators later appointed by Spire to review Mr Irwin’s practice found the technical standard of the mum-of-three's surgeries was “poor”. She had “come to harm” due to “the technical standard of surgery” and “inadequate” follow‑up care, they said.

Lindsey has now instructed specialist medical negligence group action lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist support and rehab she requires

She is among a number of patients at the centre of an investigation into care provided by Mr Irwin who practised at Spire Washington and Sunderland Royal Infirmary.

Tim Annett, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lindsey, said: 

“While these investigations are vital to ensure lessons are learned and patient safety is improved, it’s clear that patients like Lindsey have been badly let down.  

 

“Instead of receiving the proper treatment and follow‑up she needed, Lindsey has been left dealing with ongoing symptoms and an uncertain future.  

 

“Since the investigation into Mr Irwin’s practice began, we’ve heard a number of concerning first‑hand accounts from other patients, and we’re supporting them through what is an incredibly distressing time.

 

“Many patients will understandably have questions about their care. The first priority must be ensuring they receive the answers they deserve, along with access to any follow‑up treatment and rehabilitation they may need.

 

“As our investigation continues, we encourage any former patients of Mr Irwin who are concerned about their treatment to come forward.”

Lindsey, who had visited a GP complaining of pain in her fingers, was referred to Mr Irwin in November 2018.

On 31 January 2019, Mr Irwin recommended joint replacement surgery, a procedure where a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore function.

She went on to have a right thumb joint replacement on 24 October 2019, followed by a left thumb joint replacement and a right index‑finger joint fusion on 19 November 2020.

However, Lindsey continued to experience pain, prompting concerns about her recovery.

An independent consultant surgeon and a Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) later reviewed Lindsey’s care as part of Spire’s investigation into Mr Irwin. The findings, issued by letter on 8 November 2025, identified several issues.
    
The technical standard of surgery was “found to be poor” due to the “poor placement” of implants in both Lindsey’s left and right thumbs. The screw placed in her right index finger was also “too large”, creating a risk of tendon irritation, as shown on X-rays.

The CAG members also commented that it was “best practice” to use X-rays during surgery to ensure correct placement of implants. However, there was “no documented evidence” that this was part of Mr Irwin’s practice.

Lindsey’s follow up care was “below the standard expected”. She should have had post-operative X‑rays in the first year after surgery and then regular X-rays after that to monitor for complications and check the implants were positioned correctly. Despite this being standard, she only had X-rays once after her casts were removed and didn’t receive any further X‑rays or follow up appointments until the investigation years later, the review found.

Spire wrote to Lindsey outlining the findings of the investigation and apologised for the “distress” the review may have caused her and the “harm” she has suffered.

Mr Irwin, who specialised in wrist and arm surgery, previously practised at Sunderland Royal Hospital and Spire Washington Hospital. He was suspended by Spire in August 2023 and relinquished his registration with the General Medical Council in May 2025.

Spire Healthcare commissioned the external review after concerns were raised about aspects of Mr Irwin’s practice. As part of this process, a number of patients are being contacted and offered a review of their care.

Lindsey said: 

“When I went in for hand surgery, I hoped it would mean an end to the issues I’d been having, but I ended up struggling to use my hands even more than before and the pain was worse.”

 

“However, I didn’t know what to do because Mr Irwin was the expert and I trusted him.

 

“When I found out he was being investigated, I felt some relief that it wasn’t all in my head but also anger that I had been suffering for so long.

 

“I can’t do ordinary things like straightening my hair or opening screw-cap bottles, just everyday things most people take for granted.  

 

“For now, I’m taking each day at a time. I haven’t heard anything further from Spire but I’ve been for appointments at my local hospital.

 

“I know nothing can make up for what I’ve been through but by speaking out I hope I can help others facing a similar situation.”