Deadline for claims over ‘unnecessary’ operations Hospital trust suspended TV doctor for prostate removals
PATIENTS of a TV doctor suspended from Birmingham’s Heart of England NHS Trust have been warned they have just weeks left to submit claims for compensation.
Urologist Arackal Manu Nair was suspended from the Trust in April 2014 and an independent investigation launched.
Around 170 prostate cancer patients of the surgeon – who worked on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies – were recalled by Heartlands and Solihull Hospital.
It is alleged some received unnecessary prostate removal, while others were left with adverse side effects after being given a new laser treatment, which was not then approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The surgeon, who also worked at Spire Hospitals, resigned from the NHS Trust in July 2015.
The General Medical Council (GMC) has placed a number of restrictions on the doctor’s licence and he is unable to work unsupervised until July 2017.
Lawyers representing former patients are now urging anyone who fears they may have suffered medical negligence to come forward by September 30.
This includes patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or Green Light Laser treatments.
Jeanette Whyman, leading negligence lawyer at Wright Hassall, said: “Many of those patients are now seeking legal advice to see if they can claim compensation, as in some cases the treatment may have had a devastating effect on their lives.
“It has been an extremely worrying time for the clients we are representing on this case, as in some instances they have lost because they haven’t been work, or needed further treatment.
“The solicitors have been notified that the deadline to lodge claims is the end of September and we urge anyone who is concerned to come forward as soon as possible and to get in touch.
“Although patients can claim beyond the end of September, it is extremely important to do so as soon as possible, as it will become much more difficult after that date.
“I must say the hospitals wages able to private have been extremely co-operative with all the claimants to date, and we remain fully committed to helping patients who have suffered to be compensated in the shortest time frame possible.
Many patients have already sought legal advice following the revelations, which have apparent similarities to former breast cancer surgeon Ian Paterson, who is currently facing criminal charges.
In both cases it is alleged unnecessary cancer surgeries place, and multi-disciplinary that took team meetings failed to take place following surgery.
The Heart of England Trust previously told the Post: “We would like to unreservedly apologise for any distress this has caused. We recognise ” that this is a worrying time for patients who have been treated by Mr Manu Nair and we continue to do everything possible to ensure that both patients and their families have the help and support they need.”