Penningtons Manches instructed to investigate new claims against consultant gynaecologist Jayne Cockburn

Posted: 08/10/2014

Following the recent settlement of a claim by the clinical negligence team against Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust arising from negligent care provided by consultant gynaecologist, Miss Jayne Cockburn, the team has been instructed by a number of women looking to pursue a clinical negligence investigation.

Many of these women have been contacted by Frimley Park Hospital as part of the Trust’s ongoing investigation into Miss Cockburn’s actions and have received a Duty of Candour letter from the Chief Executive offering an apology for the poor care received. However, for some patients who have not yet received such a letter, the Trust’s continued lack of apology is causing great distress. 

Although it is not yet clear how many patients have been recalled by the Trust in this way, they have all been through a traumatic and distressing time and common themes are emerging regarding their treatment.

For example, a number of women were being treated by Miss Cockburn for urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence and had a range of uro-gynaecological procedures, including the insertion of Tension-Free Vaginal Tape (TVT). There are concerns that quite extensive surgical measures were taken without due consideration being given to less extensive surgery or more conservative measures. The team is also being instructed to look at the standard of surgical technique employed by Miss Cockburn.

Alison Johnson, senior associate in the Penningtons Manches clinical negligence team, said: “We are pleased that the Trust is carrying out an investigation and is encouraging any women with concerns over the care provided to them by Miss Jayne Cockburn to seek legal advice about a potential clinical negligence claim.

“Our Godalming and Basingstoke clinical negligence teams are dealing with claims concerning the care provided by Miss Cockburn to patients living in the local regions. To our knowledge, the Trust has been aware of concerns regarding Miss Cockburn's care since at least 2011, when we investigated another claim which was settled in January 2012.

“While Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is now carrying out a review of other patients who have been treated by Miss Cockburn - and the GMC is also now investigating matters - it is disappointing that it has taken so long to get to this stage." 

Any patients concerned about the medical treatment they have received from Miss Cockburn, should contact Penningtons Manches LLP for further advice.

For more information on the previous settlement against Frimley Park Hospital in respect of the care provided by Miss Cockburn, please click here.  

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