NHS whistleblower claims patients were 'spectacularly abandoned' with surgery scandal as senior figures 'protected reputations at all costs'

An NHS whistleblower has raised serious concerns about a spinal surgery scandal, warning that patients may have been “spectacularly abandoned” while senior figures “protected reputations at all costs”.

Retired consultant anaesthetist Dr Glyn Smurthwaite said he and colleagues spent years attempting to raise concerns about the practice of former spinal surgeon John Bradley Williamson, but felt these were not adequately acted upon at the time.

The surgeon worked at Salford Royal Hospital between 1991 and January 2015, when he was dismissed for misconduct unrelated to clinical care.

“We had one opportunity to make an intransigent trust do the right thing,” he said.“We have spectacularly abandoned patients.”

His warning comes as an NHS England-commissioned “review of the reviews” into the case is expected to report this month.

However, the Sunday Express has learnt it is unlikely to recommend a full recall of all former patients treated by the surgeon.

Instead, patients may be advised to come forward themselves if they wish to have their care reviewed.

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Source: GB News, 19 April 2026

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