There have been widespread reports that Sussex Police has launched an investigation into a number of deaths at Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital due to alleged clinical negligence.
Up to 40 deaths are being looked into after both a coroner and two consultant surgeons at the hospital, which is part of the University Hospital Sussex NHS Trust, raised concerns. Both the consultant 'whistle blowers' highlighted patient safety errors in the general surgery and neurosurgery departments between 2015 and 2020 and allege the trust failed to properly investigate the deaths and learn from the mistakes made. They subsequently lost their jobs at the trust.
Sussex police has now written to the trust's chief executive, George Findlay, confirming they are investigating allegations of "criminal culpability through medical negligence" made by "two separate clinical consultants" at the trust.
The police investigation follows on from the Care Quality Commission downgrading the trust last month, giving it a ''requires improvement'' rating for patient safety.
What can you do if you have been impacted by the allegations of medical negligence at the Royal Sussex County Hospital?
This investigation is of course distressing for the family and loved ones of those who have sadly died, who will no doubt be very concerned to hear of these allegations.
It will also be alarming for any patients under the care of the hospital during that time period, who feel they may have had negligent treatment.
It is important to remember that the majority of healthcare is performed safely and that patient safety is a priority. However, sometimes things do go wrong with medical treatment and when this happens many people do not know where to turn for help and answers.
The first step is to make a complaint about the healthcare provided. Under the NHS Constitution all patients have the right to have their complaints investigated. You can write a letter of complaint yourself. It should be addressed to the complaints manager at the hospital.
Making a claim for medical negligence at the Royal Sussex County Hospital
If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured as a result of substandard medical care through the University Hospital Sussex NHS Trust, it's also a good idea to seek legal advice.
Our South East based expert clinical negligence lawyers are acting in a number of ongoing medical negligence investigations for patients in the neurosurgical and general surgical units involving treatment between 2015 and 2020 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. These include cases involving Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), and other spinal injuries.
If you have concerns about your treatment at the trust, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or loss and an experienced clinical negligence lawyer will be able to talk through with you whether this is a viable option in your particular circumstances. It's usually possible to conduct a claim on a "no win no fee" basis at no upfront cost to yourself.
A good lawyer can act as a key advocate and voice for those who have suffered injury or bereavement, and be instrumental in helping to not only claim any financial compensation they may be due, but also in navigating their way around what can be a complex system, ensuring that their voice is heard and even helping to effect change to processes going forward.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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