The police investigation into medical negligence at a Brighton hospital now includes over 200 cases of alleged malpractice and preventable deaths.
Brighton: So, it turns out the police are now looking into over 200 cases of possible medical negligence at a local hospital. This all started when some folks raised concerns about patient safety at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Initially, they were checking out 105 cases, but that number has skyrocketed. Many families affected have sought legal help, which is no surprise given the serious nature of these claims.
Two consultant surgeons blew the whistle on the situation, claiming they lost their jobs for trying to speak up about the issues. The hospital is now managed by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which was formed a couple of years ago.
According to a recent BBC report, the police got involved after these whistleblowers came forward. They’re focusing on care provided between 2015 and 2021, especially in neurosurgery and general surgery.
As more families have reached out, the investigation has expanded. Sussex Police is committed to a thorough inquiry and is working closely with affected patients and their families.
They’ve even brought in independent medical consultants to review individual cases. This is a big deal because it could help determine which cases will move forward in the investigation.
One lawyer involved, Nisha Sharma, expressed her concern about the growing number of cases. She’s representing many families who are understandably looking for answers after experiencing trauma due to poor care.
Another lawyer, Tom Riis-Bristow, noted that it’s pretty rare for police to investigate an NHS trust like this. He emphasized the need for support for patients and families to ensure they get the answers they deserve.
Meanwhile, the hospital trust has stated they’re cooperating fully with the police but can’t comment on the ongoing investigation. It’s a tough situation, and many are hoping for some clarity and change in the system.
