Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Clinical Negligence Solicitors

Surgeon facing charges for wounding with intent (10 March 2017)

Date: 10/03/2017
Duncan Lewis, Clinical Negligence Solicitors, Surgeon facing charges for wounding with intent

It is alleged that Judith Conduit, 47, was falsely diagnosed with Dercum’s disease in 2001 and told she would have to have a bilateral mastectomy. She subsequently had to return to hospital 94 times over the course of a year due to post-operative complications.

During the operation she had to be rushed to a different hospital as a blood clot had developed close to her heart and the surgeon – Mr Ian Patterson – did not have the correct equipment to remove it.

She was told she would need the procedure after she had repeatedly gone to her doctor regarding reoccurring lumps in her breasts, which were surgically removed. However when the lumps kept returning Mrs Conduit was told she would have to have a mastectomy as removing the lumps again would involve removing too much tissue.

After the operation Mrs Conduit was left with a “black and rotting” wound which led to a further ten day stay at Solihull hospital. However, it transpired that the lumps which she thought were a symptom of the rare Dercum’s disease were in fact benign fatty tissue. Senior Lecturer in general surgery at the University of Hull, Phillip Drew said that although he believes some of the operations carried out seem reasonable he believes that a mastectomy was not.

Mrs Conduit was told that all her breast tissue had been removed, however in 2008 she discovered more lumps in the breast area and on returning to hospital was informed that fortunately the lump was benign, but there was in fact breast tissue left.
Ian Paterson was employed by Heart of England NHS Trust and he is in court facing 20 charges of wounding with intent against one man and nine women regarding procedures he carried out between 1992 and 2011. Mr Paterson denies the charges and the trial is expected to last for up to 10 weeks.

Rebecca Thomas, Director of Clinical Negligence at Duncan Lewis states:

“Thankfully, cases such as this are extremely rare although we have acted for clients who have undergone unnecessary surgery as a result of misdiagnosis. Surgery can be very invasive and usually involves a prolonged recovery and time off work. It is important that it is only undertaken when completely necessary.”

Rebecca Thomas is a Director of Clinical Negligence at Duncan Lewis. Rebecca has over 20 years’ experience in her field and represents clients in a wide range of cases including claims involving cosmetic and dental negligence, surgical and orthopaedic injuries arising from delay, misdiagnosis or negligent spinal surgery, gastrointestinal and ophthalmic surgery.

Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Department

Duncan Lewis’ broad clinical negligence practice handles a vast array of claims, from accident and emergency failures to GP negligence claims, to misdiagnosed fractures to wrongful death matters. Duncan Lewis’ Clinical Negligence team has significant experience acting in claims for children and adults who have suffered profound and permanent brain, spinal or neurological injuries and associated disabilities as a consequence of failings in medical care in both NHS and private hospitals. They also act for clients in cases arising from obstetric, neo-natal, paediatric, anaesthetic, neurological, spinal, surgical, cardiac and emergency care and consequent disability resulting from these.


For all Clinical Negligence related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.