In March 2017, following a visit from Health Education East Midlands, the regional organisation which manages post graduate medical training, Leicester Hospitals temporarily halted complex cancer operations as a result of concerns over complications.

The operations which were temporarily halted were for patients who require surgery for cancer of the throat and mouth. The concerns surrounded the failure rate of reconstructive flaps for patients who were to undergo this complex cancer surgery.

The Leicester Mercury reported in February 2017 that “around 40 patients a year have this type of surgery at Leicester’s hospitals and at present, around 15 patients have been affected by the loss of the treatment and have been offered care at other hospitals.”

It was feedback from commissioned experts from the Royal College of Surgeons following an independent review of the oral and maxillofacial surgery service that led to the halt of the complex cancer operations.

Andrew Currie, clinical director for musculoskeletal and specialist surgery at Leicester’s hospitals, said: “their feedback caused us sufficient concerns that we made the decision to suspend all complex respective cancer surgery of the oral cavity and oropharynx pending further work with the Royal College of Surgeons.”

It is understood that at least 15 patients were affected by the halt in treatment but that they were offered care at other hospitals. There have been no further reports to confirm whether the treatment has now been reinstated.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors are keen to see whether any changes were made following the hospitals’ work with the Royal College of Surgeons.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors has many years’ experience of representing families whose loved ones have suffered as the result of substandard NHS care. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of poor care from a medical professional, please contact us on 0116 254 7456 for a no obligation conversation