Gynaecologist Rod Irvine investigated by GMC as NHS trust reviews care of hundreds of patients

Posted: 11/07/2013

A consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician has been investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC) over concerns about the treatment he has provided to hundreds of women in the South East.

The action was taken against Rod Irvine, who worked at three NHS hospitals and several private clinics in London, after fears that operations had negligently caused injury to patients. Mr Irvine specialises in gynaecological procedures including hysterectomy, cervical screening and cancer surgery. The NHS hospitals involved are Princess Royal Hospital in Bromley, Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. Mr Irvine also worked at the Portland, the Lister and the Wellington in Harley Street.

Now South London Healthcare NHS Trust is reviewing the treatment of patients who have had surgery at the hospitals over the past 10 years. It has been reported that it has written to 2,000 women who may be affected and the NHS has set up a helpline to deal with patients’ enquiries.

This latest development follows concerns last year when a routine audit of procedures carried out at Queen Mary’s Hospital indicated an above average number of complications amongst patients, such as perforated bowel. This led to a review of 255 recent patients which revealed further cause for concern.

Any patients affected by the treatment concerns surrounding Rod Irvine have been asked to contact the NHS helpline - 0800 044 5272.

Guy Forster, clinical negligence solicitor at Penningtons Solicitors LLP, said: “We hope that those involved in undertaking this review of Mr Irvine’s practice are able to investigate these concerns quickly and take any necessary action to ensure safety of services. Naturally there will be a number of patients who will be left worried by this latest news but we would urge them to contact the NHS helpline for further information.”

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