Asons Comment on Surgeon Allowed to Work, Despite Investigation into Substandard Care
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 4 July 2013 -- According to the Telegraph, an investigation was held last July after Mr. Sarker, was referred to the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) when his colleagues raised concerns regarding the alleged substandard care his patients were being subjected to (1). The investigation found that his death rates were double that of other surgeons working within similar fields, and that one in five of his patients were readmitted to hospital due to complications following their surgical procedures (1).
It has been reported, in an article by the Telegraph, that the trust allegedly allowed him to continue operating under supervision whilst a report was being commissioned by the RCS (1). According to the Telegraph, the RCS examined 75 cases of patient care under Mr Sarker, comparing them to the work of two other doctors working in similar roles. Within these 75 cases, it was discovered that he had an alleged eight percent death rate, alongside six patients dying within 28 days of their surgeries taking place. The two doctors that were examined alongside him had a combined death rate of three patients in the same period; and a readmission rate three times less than Mr Sarker (1).
Speaking on the investigation, Asons Executive Suzanne Yates said:
“This investigation raises a clear cause of concern. If a matter rang enough alarm bells for the RCS to launch an official investigation, then he shouldn’t have been able to continue operating. It shows a lack of patient care on behalf of the hospital, and a lack of judgment from the doctor himself”.
Despite this investigation being launched in July, Mr Sarker was only suspended in October; continuing to practice despite the concerns that were raised against him (1). In response to this, Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust have opened a hotline for patients and families, encouraging them to contact a specialist if they have any concerns about the care that they have received. The hotline has already documented upwards of 49 complaints (1).
At this point, five known families have consulted solicitors to investigate the alleged surgical malpractice by Mr Sarker, alongside the perceived failings in care by the hospital. All five complaints are regarding keyhole surgery for colon cancer--the area in which he specialised in. In addition, there will be a combined inquest into the deaths of three other patients, who all died last year after surgery at the hospital in Redditch, Worcester, according to the Telegraph (1).
The Worcester Acute Services Hospital Trust has claimed that their actions were as result of the advice that they had sought, as to whether or not they should reveal the investigation to Dr. Sarkers patients. A trust spokesman said:
"In this specific case the Trust considered this matter with NCAS (National Clinical Assessment Service) to determine what measures were required to maintain patient safety. In those areas where the surgeon's practice had been questioned the critical responsibility was transferred to a supervising surgeon.”
Commenting on the developments, Suzanne Yates, continued by saying:
“People that are subjected to, what could be described as medical negligence, within the NHS should come forward, not just to receive compensation for the trauma they have suffered, but to stop things like this happening to anyone else.”
Any patients of Mr Sarker that feel that themselves or a loved one may have been subjected to poor patient care, should contact a medical negligence solicitor, such as Asons, to find out if they are eligible to take legal action against the hospital involved. To find out more information, or to make a claim, visit http://www.asons.co.uk or phone 01204 521 133 to speak to a specialist member of their team.
(1) The Telegraph, Surgeon allowed to work despite inquiry into 10 deaths, 29/06/2013,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10150696/Surgeon-allowed-to-work-despite-inquiry-into-10-deaths.html
About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
John King, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448 408 012, [email protected]
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