Police investigate allegations of preventable deaths and injuries at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust

Expert medical evaluations

The police investigation involves a dedicated team of officers who are progressing inquiries and engaging with involved patients and families to provide information and support. Alongside that individual cases are being reviewed by specialist consultant surgeons, commissioned to provide expert medical opinion on treatment received. These consultants are totally independent of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and have undergone a nationally accepted vetting process. The medical experts will report on their findings and their opinions will be considered alongside information obtained from police inquiries to determine whether cases will be taken forward in the investigation and, if so, which ones.

Mr Marc Lamah, Colorectal Surgeon and Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Carl Hardwidge are both mentioned in the police investigation. It is understood that Mr Lamah continues to operate at Royal Sussex County Hospital. The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust told us it had audited his NHS data, which showed that his outcomes were within the expected national range. According to online information, Mr Hardwidge left the NHS Trust in 2023, but is still practicing privately.

Improved care

The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust said it was cooperating with the police investigation and recognised that it has much work to do to improve its performance. George Findlay, the Chief Executive “sincerely apologised” for patients waiting longer than they should have done for treatment, before adding that its neurosurgery team had faced significant challenges since 2012 but recognised that “we have much further to go in improving care and better supporting colleagues.”

Rachael Flanagan, Head of Medical Negligence and Personal Injury at Alsters Kelley said. “The police investigation, which is called Operation Bramber is expected to be completed this year. With the number of cases having increased, there might be more people/families which need to be included. If you, or anyone you know has been affected by the standard of care they received at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, we ask you to come forward. We are here to support you every step of the way so that you can get the answers you need and deserve, as well as being able to help you to access any compensation for your suffering.”

Free initial meeting for support and advice

At Alsters Kelley, our approach is personal, sensitive, and caring. We understand you may have already suffered harm in the hands of those you put your trust in, which is why we put you at the heart of everything we do. With years of experience, we aim to minimise the impact of the claims process and secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

We offer a free 30-minute appointment where we can support and guide you in the right direction. And thanks to our network of offices covering Coventry, Leamington, Nuneaton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southam we are very accessible too.

If you have any concerns about the treatment either you, or a loved one, received and would like help or advice, please contact Rachael Flanagan on 01926 356030 or email rachael.flanagan@alsterskelley.com.