The news last night featured another case of medical negligence, this time at The Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and Spire Little Aston Hospital, both of which are in the West Midlands.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mian Munawar Shah has been suspended and hundreds of his former patients between 2010 and 2018 have recently been contacted. This follows several complaints of botched shoulder operations, which have caused some people to lose use of their arms completely, whilst others have been living in constant pain since being operated on by Dr Shah.
Operations were allowed to continue
Whilst apologies have been issued by both hospitals and offers of support and updates are forthcoming, the main worry is why given the quality of Mr Shah’s surgical expertise has been allowed to continue unchallenged for so long. This comes after it was revealed that some patients received compensation, but even after this happening, Mr Shah was allowed to continue operating.
Both hospitals are now reviewing the medical notes of more than 600 patients to establish whether they may have been adversely affected by their surgery. This will take some time, but they have promised that their findings will be fully shared with individual patients, as well as with the public and relevant regulators in line with their policies of openness and transparency. In the meantime, an emergency helpline has been set up for those affected to call – 01922 604631 or they can email walsall.helpline@nhs.net.
Openness and transparency are key
Kiran Jalota, Head of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury, said. “This is another tragic incident of medical negligence. In total twenty-one medical negligence cases were filed between 2010 and 2018. But it wasn’t until 2021 that Dr Shah was given an interim order to stop performing these procedures including shoulder joint replacements without supervision.”
Kiran continues. “One of the most disturbing things is that in 2010 Dr Shah severed a patient’s radial nerve, leaving her virtually unable to use her arm. The patient brought a successful claim against the surgeon and was awarded compensation. However, when she tried to make a complaint to the General Medical Council’s fitness to practise department several years later, her request for an investigation was refused.”
Kiran concludes. “Over the years, we have acted for many victims of medical negligence claims and have considerable experience in this area of the law. If you are one of those affected by the actions of Dr Shah, we urge you to get in touch, so that we can help you.”
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