Concerns over the surgical practices of retired surgeon Leslie Irwin have prompted Spire Healthcare to initiate a review involving former patients. The investigation follows allegations regarding surgeries performed by Irwin at the Spire Washington Hospital in the North East of England. Patients who underwent procedures under his care have been contacted as part of this process.
Irwin, a consultant surgeon with a focus on hand and wrist surgery, has been at the center of scrutiny after multiple patients reported ongoing issues post-surgery. Spire Healthcare has issued a recall notice on its website, specifically addressing the concerns related to Irwin’s work. While he has previously worked within the National Health Service (NHS), the current review pertains solely to his private practice.
One patient, represented by lawyers from Slater and Gordon, expressed her shock upon receiving a notification from Spire. She described feeling “absolutely gutted” to learn of the concerns surrounding her care after undergoing surgery more than 20 times with Irwin.
Another patient, Michael Liddell, 54, who underwent seven surgeries starting in 2015 for a wrist condition, received a letter from his solicitors at Fletchers. The correspondence indicated that some of the procedures he received were unnecessary and not executed to an acceptable standard. Liddell expressed his distress, saying, “This ordeal has consumed my life for the last decade.” He added that he now lives with constant pain, describing sensations in his hand akin to “constantly being in a bucket of ice.”
Patients are understandably shaken by the revelations. The unnamed female patient, who has been a long-term client of Irwin, reflected on the impact of the news. “I never doubted anything I was told,” she said. “I felt like I was in completely safe hands.” Her statement highlights the emotional toll and trust issues arising from this situation. She aims to share her experience to encourage others who might feel hopeless to seek the medical care they deserve.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson from Spire Healthcare stated, “We are currently reviewing specific procedures that were provided to a select cohort of patients of Mr Leslie Irwin.” They assured that they are in direct contact with all affected patients to assess their care and provide necessary support. The review is following guidelines set forth by NHS England’s National Quality Board: Recall Framework, which Spire Healthcare helped to develop.
The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust acknowledged they are aware of the concerns associated with Irwin’s private practice. A spokesperson confirmed that Irwin retired from the Trust in May 2022 and noted that the Trust is currently assessing the implications of the situation but is not recalling any patients at this time.
Both Fletchers and Slater and Gordon are representing multiple clients believed to be affected by Irwin’s practices. They have established legal clinics for those who may require assistance, with further information available on their respective websites.
Irwin has de-registered with the General Medical Council and had his practicing privileges suspended in August 2023, with the withdrawal occurring in 2024. Attempts to contact him for comment have not yet yielded a response.
As this review unfolds, the experiences of Irwin’s patients underscore the vital importance of accountability in healthcare practices and the profound impact on individuals who seek medical care.
