An NHS hospital has admitted to cutting off the limbs of six people by mistake during routine operations.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted to the failures, which took place over a three-year period due to medical negligence.
Figures show that four amputations were performed in 2020, and another two were carried out at the Yorkshire-based hospital in 2021. But although unnecessary amputations will leave patients with life-changing conditions, it seems York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is not the only trust to have mistakenly amputated the limbs of patients.
Freedom of Information Requests revealed that Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also performed two surgeries without needing to, and a further five cases of amputations due to medical negligence were confirmed by Medway NHS Foundation Trust in Kent.
In Nuneaton, three instances were confirmed by The George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust where two amputations took place in 2020 and another in 2023.
Another three were recorded by East Kent Hospitals University Trust, one in 2020, one in 2022 and one in 2023.
Two amputations due to negligence were also confirmed by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Wiltshire.
Meanwhile, one amputation due to negligence was confirmed at each of the following; North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust , The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
These incidents are referred to as ‘never events’ by the NHS and defined as ‘serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if healthcare providers have implemented existing national guidance or safety recommendations.’
Nick Banks, Head of Clinical Negligence at JF Law, which owns the Accident Claims brand, says:
“Losing a limb is life-changing and can be devastating for patients and their families.
“As well as the obvious emotional impact, injuries can cause a bigger financial impact than many households can bear, particularly in the current cost of living crisis, when many are already struggling to make ends meet.”
Mr. Banks also explained the fears some may have about making a claim against the NHS, even where life-altering medical mistakes have taken place.
He added: “Whilst some people understandably worry that making a claim will affect frontline care, the reality is that hospitals and GPs are always insured against such claims.
“As such, any damages owed are paid by the insurers, and do not affect the care other patients are receiving.”
Medical negligence claims
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd’s specialist Medical Negligence department has an in-house team of Solicitors and legal professionals dedicated solely to this area of law.
With over 24 years of combined experience, we are dedicated to assisting clients who have suffered physically, mentally and financially as a result of negligent medical treatment.
The specialist team pursues an array of medical negligence claims including mistakes during surgery and incorrect treatment.
If you have been a victim of medical negligence, contact the team at Oakwood Solicitors for advice, and to discuss your eligibility for a claim today.
Limb Loss Charities
If you have lost a limb or have a limb difference and are looking for some extra support, several charities might be able to help.
Further reading
Negligent surgical operations and medical care – Oakwood Solicitors
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Jade Glover is a Solicitor in the Medical Negligence team. She has worked for the company for over 9 years and completed her training during that time. She has specialised in Personal Injury clai…
