Colleagues Described Operations As ‘Never Events’

Legal experts at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have reacted with concern after a senior surgeon with ‘poor vision’ has been struck off after a number of errors, including removing a woman's ovary instead of her appendix.

Dr Lawal Haruna mistook the patient's reproductive organs for her appendix after she was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain.

Specialist lawyers at the firm have questioned whether the ‘string of botched hospital operations’ could have been avoided and have urged anyone with concerns about treatment they have received from this doctor to seek advice.

The incident in March 2015 was one of a series of ‘botched operations’ carried out by Haruna which were so poorly executed colleagues reportedly described them as 'never events'.

Dr Haruna was working as a Speciality Doctor in General Surgery at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust when these patients were injured.

An expert report stated that: ‘Dr Haruna was mistaken in his identification of the appendix and removed the ovary and tube in error’ which amounted to ‘a serious omission and a breach of duty of care’.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service today found that Dr Haruna’s actions amounted to serious misconduct and determined he should be struck off the medical register.

Irwin Mitchell has a proven track record of dealing with Group Actions involving medical negligence.

Tim Annett, Group Actions and medical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell, is shocked by the findings and has questioned just how many people might have been affected by his negligence.

Expert Opinion

“The incident in March 2015 was one of a series of operations carried out by Dr Haruna over a two year period which were so poorly conducted that colleagues described them as 'Never Events'.

To outline the seriousness of this, ‘Never Events’ are defined by the NHS as ‘serious incidents that are entirely preventable as guidance, or safety recommendations providing strong systemic protective barriers, are available at a national level, and should have been implemented by all healthcare providers’.

“It is apparent that following the circumstances surrounding one of the cases considered by the GMC, the Trust began an investigation and prepared a Serious Untoward Incident Report. This recommended that Dr Haruna be suspended from undertaking non-elective procedures, allowed to continue some elective procedures and that his capability be assessed.

“It is unfortunate that during this assessment period a further patient was injured, and it is hoped no other patients have been adversely affected as a result of errors made by Dr Haruna.

However promptly Dr Haruna’s employers might have reported their concerns to the GMC, it is of concern that it appears to have taken over two years for a decision to be made about his fitness to practice.” Tim Annett - Partner

Group compensation claims require highly specialised expertise. Irwin Mitchell has championed many high profile group claims over the years our work has brought about changes in the law to improve safety.

If you think that you may have been negatively affected by medical negligence arising from treatment provided by Dr Lawal Haruna, then contact Irwin Mitchell and together they’ll find out what happened, and ensure you and your fellow victims are fully and fairly compensated for your trauma.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error or negligence, our medical negligence solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Surgery Claims page for more information.