A report for the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Spinal Patient Safety Look Back Review (“SPSLBR”)

Summary

In 2021, a multi-professional staff support group was established under the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust’s Freedom to Speak Up process which raised new questions and concerns around the probity and clinical standards of a Consultant Spinal Surgeon (“Consultant Spinal Surgeon A”) whilst they were employed at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (now part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust) (“the Trust”). As a result, the Trust commissioned the Spinal Patient Safety Look Back Review (“SPSLBR”) and Investigation Group to evaluate these concerns, including obtaining independent expert advice.

In January 2022, the Trust commenced the SPSLBR to investigate and manage patient safety concerns raised in respect of Consultant Spinal Surgeon A who was employed at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (now part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust) between 1991 and January 2015.

This report outlines the investigation carried out by the SPSLBR Investigation Group on behalf of the Trust to investigate and manage potential Serious Incidents (“SI”) caused by the errors and omissions attributable to clinics, surgery and/or consultations undertaken by Consultant Spinal Surgeon A within the scope identified in the Terms of Reference. 

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