Publication of ‘Spinal Surgery Independent Patient Safety Investigation - Phase One, Diagnostic review of concerns raised’
NHS England have today (Thursday, May 28) published an independent report by Dr Yvette Oade: ‘Spinal Surgery Independent Patient Safety Investigation - Phase One, Diagnostic review of concerns raised’
You can find Dr Oade’s report using the button below.
Our response
We welcome the publication of ‘Spinal Surgery Independent Patient Safety Investigation - Phase One, Diagnostic review of concerns raised’.
The report is an important step in helping us better understand what went wrong and where we need to do better. It recognises the complexity of the issues involved and the role of different organisations over a period of time spanning many years.
We fully take on board the feedback it provides and are committed to putting in place the recommendations made to us.
Our message for patients and their families
We are grateful to patients, families and NCA colleagues who came forward to share their experiences as part of Dr Oade’s investigation. Their voices have been central to understanding what happened and what must improve.
We want to say again how sorry we are to those patients and their loved ones who have been affected. We know that for some people this has been a very difficult and distressing experience over a long period of time. Many patients continue to live day to day with the consequences of care that was not of the standard it should have been, and we do not underestimate the impact of this.
One of the recommendations from Dr Oade’s report is that, for at least a three-year period, the NCA and the other organisations this consultant spinal surgeon worked at should ensure that any of his previous patients who request a review of their care are offered an in-person consultation, even if no harm has been identified by previous reviews.
We will ensure this is put in place. Further details about how concerned patients can get in touch with us can be found below.
We want to continue to listen, to learn and to take action to ensure this does not happen again.
Next steps
Work to improve and strengthen our current spinal services will continue, building on the actions already taken. This has included reviewing clinical practice, strengthening governance and oversight, and working closely with partners across the system and nationally to ensure services are safe and sustainable.
Over the last two years, we have worked closely with NHS England on improvements, and our partnerships with them and other organisations across Greater Manchester will remain key.
We accept there is more to do, and the findings of this report will help shape the work ahead.
Above all, our focus remains on providing safe, high-quality care for all patients and rebuilding trust and confidence.
Any patient who has previously received care from this spinal consultant surgeon and has concerns about their treatment can request a review of this and, where appropriate, have an in-person consultation with our spinal team.
The surgeon - Mr John Bradley Williamson - provided care at Salford Royal (part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust). He has not worked at Salford Royal since 2015.
Any patient who has concerns can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will advise on the next steps.
Contact our PALS team by the following:
Online: Submit your query or concern using our online form.
Call: 0161 778 5665 between 09:30 hours and 16:30 hours Monday to Friday.
BSL only text reply: 07812 775905
Write to:
PALS & Complaints Department
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
2nd Floor Horton House
Hamilton Street
Oldham
OL4 1DE
Dr Rafik Bedair, Chief Medical Officer at the NCA, said:
“We welcome the publication of this investigation’s findings. It is an important step in helping us better understand what went wrong and where we must improve. We accept its findings and are committed to putting in place the recommendations made to us.
We want to say again how sorry we are to those patients and their loved ones who have been harmed, affected or distressed. We recognise that for many people this has had a lasting impact on their day-to-day lives.
We are grateful to the patients, families and NCA colleagues who came forward to share their experiences. Their voices have been vital in helping us understand what happened and what needs to change, and we want people to know that we are listening and taking action.
We remain committed to learning from this, strengthening our spinal services and working with partners to ensure care is safe, reliable and of a high quality.”
Prompted by concerns raised by a group of staff at the NCA in December 2021 relating to a former consultant spinal surgeon, the NCA commissioned two investigations. One was into the care of patients: the Spinal Patient Safety Look Back Review and a second, an independent report into non-clinical matters raised by staff: Breen Report.
The findings of these investigations were both made publicly available by the NCA:
- Northern Care Alliance releases findings of its Spinal Patient Safety Look Back Review :: Northern Care Alliance
- Northern Care Alliance releases independent report into previous management of concerns regarding a Consultant Spinal Surgeon
These reviews and reports were considered as part of ‘Spinal Surgery Independent Patient Safety Investigation - Phase One, Diagnostic review of concerns raised’