Following an earlier recall by the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, the private healthcare company, Spire Healthcare, has confirmed it will recall patients of Consultant Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeon, Mr Munawar Shah, following concerns being raised about potentially negligent shoulder surgery.
Shah carried out surgery at the Spire Little Aston Hospital in Birmingham, also working at the Walsall Manor Hospital. After concerns were raised, the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust contacted the Royal College of Surgeons in 2020 and a review of surgery at the Trust (including a review of some of Shah’s patients) was carried out. The Royal College of Surgeons recommended the Trust recall Shah’s patients.
We have seen a report about a batch of cases that were reviewed by an independent doctor, where several issues were raised, including poor planning of surgery, inadequate scans being taken, scans being misinterpreted, surgical problems and inappropriate surgery being carried out. Spire Healthcare have overseen a number of patient recalls following concerns being raised about doctors’ actions. Another Shoulder Surgeon, Habib Rahman, had his patients recalled in 2020.
Spire were also heavily involved in the scandal surrounding Breast Surgeon, Ian Paterson. Paterson was jailed back in 2017 for his actions, which included carrying out unnecessary operations and misleading patients as to their true condition.
Although there is no evidence that Shah’s conduct amounts to criminal activity, it’s concerning that Spire Healthcare have taken so long to not only identify the problem (Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust raised concerns back in 2020), but to also start work on recalling Shah’s private patients (NHS patients started to receive their recall letters weeks ago).
A lack of transparency is also worrying: the NHS Trust have said that around 600 people are being recalled by them in connection with Mr Shah; Spire Healthcare haven’t disclosed the number of people they’re recalling.
Waldrons Solicitors represent several patients who were treated by Mr Shah, and we are in the process of investigating their cases. We have offices in Walsall town centre, as well as across the Midlands, with home visits available if you’re based further afield.
If you would like advice about your rights, one of our medical negligence specialists will be able to help. Please click here to contact us and arrange for a call back from one of the team.
