Healthwatch statement on the police investigation into services at Royal Sussex Hospital (Updated 11.12.23)
Update 11/12/2023
Healthwatch met with Dr George Findlay, Chief Executive for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust on 1st December 2023 to discuss the recent media coverage relating to the police investigation, concerns about the Emergency Department and maternity care. Healthwatch discussed patient safety concerns and actions the Trust is taking. We will continue to engage with the Trust on these matters, monitor the situation and do all we can within our remit to champion and represent the patient voice.
The Trust has released an updated statement which can also be read on their website by clicking here:
"The Trust has been contacted by Sussex Police, who are looking into possible cases of medical negligence – primarily connected to general surgery and neurosurgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital – between 2015 and 2021.
"We are fully supportive of this action, and are helping officers in any way we can.
"If anyone has any questions relating to care they are receiving now, or are due to receive from our teams, there are various options.
"You either discuss your circumstances with your GP, who is referring you to us for care, or you can discuss any concerns you have with the clinical team themselves.
"Alternatively, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) instead.
"All of our services are closely monitored and regulated, and our Trust is committed to being open, and listening. Your clinical team will be happy to discuss anything you wish to raise with them.
"Please note: we are not able to directly discuss the enquiries being made by Sussex Police, and are not directly involved in the work they are engaged in."
Sussex police have issued the following public statement:
“The concerns raised related to neurosurgery and general surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton in the period between 2015 and 2021.
"An initial investigation was launched and a dedicated team of officers has been working since that time to assess the allegations to determine whether there are any grounds for criminal prosecution.
"From this initial assessment, we have identified a number of cases from within the specified NHS departments and during the specified time period that will form part of our investigation.
"Officers have begun the process of notifying patients or families of patients whose cases will be included in the investigation. Specialist support will be available to them as our enquiries continue.
"The investigation is at an early stage and this does not necessarily mean this will lead to criminal prosecution. We are working closely with partner agencies and the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is co-operating fully with our investigation."
Previous update (November 2023):
Healthwatch can confirm that Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is aware of a police investigation into allegations relating to several services at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this stage, but this development is clearly concerning.
A number of local people have contacted Healthwatch teams in Sussex to say they are worried about the police involvement and have asked how this might affect their care. Healthwatch is in regular contact with the Trust and meets often with senior leaders and we have shared patient concerns with them.
Healthwatch have received the following assurances from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust:
“If anyone has any questions relating to care they are receiving now, or are due to receive from our teams, there are various options. You either discuss your circumstances with your GP, who is referring you to us for care, or you can discuss any concerns you have with the clinical team themselves.
Alternatively, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) instead. All of our services are closely monitored and regulated, and our Trust is committed to being open, and listening. Your clinical team will be happy to discuss anything you wish to raise with them.”
For further information please visit the University Hospitals Sussex website by clicking here
Healthwatch will continue to monitor the situation and do all we can within our remit as the area’s health and social care champion to represent the patient voice, including by sharing any insight we have with the police and other stakeholders where it might assist the investigation.
