It has been widely reported in national media that around 180 male urology patients have received letters from Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham and the Spire Parkway private hospital recalling them for review after a GMC investigation into the practices of their treating surgeon.
The patients were under the care of prostate cancer specialist Dr Manu Nair. Dr Nair is well known within his field and has featured as an expert on television on programmes such as Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’.
Dr Nair has been under a suspension whilst the GMC investigated concerns, which included allegations that patients received radical prostate surgery when they did not have prostate cancer at all. Further concerns have been raised regarding the use of high intensity ultrasound therapy in prostate cancer patients at a time when it had yet to be approved by NICE and questionable surgical technique.
The GMC investigation has resulted in restrictions being placed on the surgeon’s licence to practice including prohibiting him from undertaking work in private practice and imposing supervision requirements for any NHS work. It is understood Dr Nair has resigned from his NHS post since the restrictions were imposed on his work.
It has been reported that many affected patients underwent radical treatments on the understanding they had life threatening malignancies. Patients living with the side effects of treatment including incontinence, impaired fertility and erectile dysfunction are now left doubting whether their treatment was necessary or carried out to the appropriate standards.
At Pryers we are concerned to hear of the GMC findings. Whilst the restrictions have been imposed to safeguard patients, many are left questioning if this is too little, too late.
Our medical negligence experts are interested to speak to any affected patients and would urge those with concerns to seek advice.
To speak to our team call 01904 55 66 00 or email help@pryers.co.uk
