Legal representation for former patients of Dr Leslie Irwin

A specialist hand and wrist surgeon has been named at the centre of an ongoing independent clinical review led by Spire Healthcare. Leslie Irwin is facing numerous allegations of clinical negligence, including amputating hands needlessly and performing unnecessary, harmful operations.

After training, Dr Irwin began work as a Consultant Orthopaedic & Hand Surgeon at NHS Sunderland Royal Hospital in 1999. Alongside his work with the NHS, he undertook additional work with private Spire Washington Hospital in 2001. He held both jobs for 21 years, but eventually retired from the NHS in 2022. He continued to work at Spire until he was suspended in 2023 after concerns were raised about the standard of his work.

In 2024, in light of their ongoing investigation, Spire fully revoked Dr Irwin’s “practicing privileges”. As part of the investigation, Spire are conducting a massive “patient recall” notice and are in the process of contacting Dr Irwin’s former patients to review their care. Their files are being reviewed by medical experts, who are assessing the general standard of surgery conducted, as well as the end patient outcome.

It is understood that South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust have been in contact with Spire, and are now conducting their own review into the care provided by Dr Irwin during his time working with them. The Government’s regulator of health and social care, the Quality Care Commission, are also conducting an independent enquiry. Their report is due to be published imminently.

The full scale of the harm caused by Dr Irwin is not currently known. What is known is that he operated for 24 years across multiple hospitals. Numerous patients of Dr Irwin have come forward in the national press, to tell their stories of receiving damaging or altogether needless surgeries from him.

Several law firms – including Pabla & Pabla Solicitors – are now seeking to help former patients of Dr Irwin get justice. Undergoing a medical procedure is always frightening, and involves placing a huge amount of trust in a clinical professional who is ultimately responsible for your wellbeing. If that trust is violated and you come to harm, the physical and mental fallout can be enormous.

Many victims of clinical negligence bring claims against those responsible. It can help to get recognition for the harm caused, provide closure, and result in compensation to help with the cost of future care. If you, or a loved one, were a former patient of Dr Irwin – we would be more than happy to have a no-commitment free consultation with you to explain your options, and how we can help.

We are here to help you get the justice you deserve. Give us a call today or fill out our contact form: