ALMOST 2,000 patients have received letters after a Caterham surgeon was suspended following a review of his work.
Rod Irvine, 60, who lives in Harestone Hill, is being investigated by the General Medical Council after his work gave hospital chiefs "cause for concern".
Mr Irvine, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, was working for South London Healthcare NHS Trust, when a sample review of 255 patients who received planned operative care from Mr Irvine indicated some cause for concern over the treatment of 49 women – and more serious cause for concern in the case of a further 17.
Initial concerns were raised regarding Mr Irvine's clinical practice in August 2012, through the trust's routine reporting process.
Dr Chris Palin, the medical director of the trust employing Mr Irvine, said: "It's important that we review all the relevant patient notes to check whether anything went wrong, to acknowledge any mistakes that may have happened, and – if necessary – to apologise and to put things right.
"It's important to understand that operative complications are not necessarily the result of sub-standard care.
"But wherever we find cause for concern it's important that we explore the reasons for this.
"That's why we have written to the women concerned and explained that we will be reviewing their clinical notes."
The majority of Mr Irvine's theatre procedures were carried out at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, but he also practised at Princess Royal Hospital in Bromley, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and a number of private clinics.
Mr Irvine was initially restricted to the number of operations he could carry out, and as the investigation progressed it was decided by the National Clinical Assessment Service that he should be suspended.
The trust has now decided to review the clinical notes of all those women who were treated by Mr Irvine since he joined the trust in 2002.
Since being contacted by the trust, patients have raised a number of concerns about their post-operative health.
Cynthia Marshall, a solicitor advising some of the patients who received letters, said: "We have already heard first-hand of concerns raised regarding this and our clients, other patients and their families will all be desperate for answers over the issues identified in relation to Mr Irvine's care.
"Patient safety should always be the top priority and it is vital that this review provides comprehensive answers and information regarding the issues identified, as well as clear steps as to how lessons can be learned from these problems."
An information line has been set up for women who may have been treated by Mr Irvine on 0800 044 5272.
In a statement to the Mirror, Mr Irvine said: "Throughout my career I have acted with integrity and honesty and tried to do the best for my patients.
"Patient care is of paramount importance to me and I apologise if anyone has been caused unnecessary distress as a result of this news from the trust and resulting media coverage.
"Whilst I understand the wishes of the Trust to release a press statement the Trust has not yet had the opportunity to see my response to many of the concerns raised in order to assess if those concerns are well founded.
"I can assure you I am co-operating fully with South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) over this issue and will continue to do so."
Have you been operated on by Mr Irvine? Call the newsdesk on 01737 783863 or e-mail editor@surreymirror.co.uk
