South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is currently investigating a former consultant's clinical practice, encompassing work at the main hospital site and a local private facility. This probe comes amid claims that the care provided to "significantly more than 50 patients" may warrant review for potential harm, according to a report by the Health Service Journal.
The developing situation underscores persistent concerns within the NHS regarding patient safety, clinical oversight, and the procedures for post-employment reviews. It also intersects with broader discussions on transparency and the systemic learning required after potential patient harm.
Although the Trust has not publicly identified the consultant or the private hospital, an internal investigation is underway. Senior leaders are assessing a pattern of cases managed by the clinician to determine if formal clinical reviews are needed for many patients and if any harm resulted from diagnostic or treatment choices.
When concerns about a clinician's performance arise in the NHS, trusts may commission independent clinical case reviews to evaluate care standards and identify any harm. Serious cases often involve external scrutiny from bodies like NHS England's Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) or professional regulators. Affected patients or their families are typically notified, informed of the process, and offered support. Significant concerns can lead to referrals to regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council (GMC).
A complicating factor is the consultant's dual practice at the private hospital. While common, dual practice raises questions about consistent clinical governance, record-keeping, and oversight across the NHS and private sectors. Private hospitals are subject to a different regulatory system, though professional standards are shared via bodies like the GMC. Allegations of harm in a private setting sometimes require joint reviews with the NHS to ensure patient protection.
The NHS has a legal obligation to learn from safety incidents. Frameworks like PSIRF are designed to ensure incidents promote meaningful organisational change, rather than being treated as isolated events, by emphasising transparency, open reporting, and multidisciplinary review, especially when care shortfalls appear to be repeated.
Trust leaders have assured internal audiences of their dedication to patient safety and transparency. They have committed to collaborating with independent clinical reviewers and notifying regulatory bodies as needed. Patient advocacy and legal groups remind that patients have the right to access review outcomes. If harm is confirmed, patients may seek legal redress or compensation through civil claims or NHS Resolution.
