A specialist liver surgeon linked to the deaths of eight patients at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff has been suspended from duty.
A review by the Royal College of Surgeons into the individual care of 31 patients who underwent complex liver surgery by consultant surgeon David Paul Berry, confirmed that eight of the 10 patient deaths following surgery were avoidable.
Professor Berry had been placed on restricted practice since October 2012 when the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board raised concerns about the treatment of some patients under his care. An initial internal investigation followed and David Paul Berry was fully suspended from duty in January 2013.
He was also referred to the General Medical Council.
Cathryn Davies, senior clinical negligence solicitor from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “These unnecessary deaths are tragic and it is imperative that the UHW now works to restore confidence in patient care. Families of the victims will want answers and patients awaiting surgery need reassurance.
“At Thompsons Solicitors we work with cases of clinical negligence on a daily basis and understand the devastating impact they can have on victims and their families. Lessons must be learnt to ensure that quality and safety of patient care is the highest priority.”
Since Wednesday, a helpline set up by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for anyone concerned about care they received following liver surgery between February 2011 and October 2012, has received more than 40 calls. The helpline - 0800 952 0244 – remains open until 8pm today, Friday 13 December.
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