Clinical negligence experts reassure patients after suspension of liver surgeon Simon Bramhall

Posted: 20/01/2014

The clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches LLP has been contacted by individuals concerned about the approach of consultant liver surgeon Simon Bramhall after his suspension from practice last month. Mr Bramhall, whose NHS practice is at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, was suspended after it was claimed that he branded a patient’s liver during a transplant operation, burning his initials 'SB' onto the liver of the patient during the actual operation. The alleged ‘branding’ is said to have been seen and reported by a colleague.

Concerns were raised at the time that, if this had occurred, he may have done the same to other patients. It is Mr Bramhall’s previous patients who are now expressing concern that they may have suffered something similar.

Philippa Luscombe, partner in the clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches, said: “Reports that Mr Bramhall has been suspended for allegedly ‘branding’ the liver of a patient with his initials are just preliminary reports. No findings have yet been made and the information provided is that, even if this has occurred, the patient would suffer no damage to their health. There is, therefore, no reason for other patients to be seriously concerned yet. However, if it does transpire that he took this action and may have done it to other patients, we anticipate that people may wish to take action for what they see as a violation of their body. For the moment, we are waiting to see the outcome of the investigation and will then advise our clients accordingly.”

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