Concerns raised about Sussex Hospitals neurosurgeon, Carl Hardwidge
I was shocked to read in the recent BBC news article about the ongoing police investigation into the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, that concerns have been raised about the care provided by neurosurgeon, Mr Carl Hardwidge, in relation to at least four patients.
According to the BBC’s neurological expert, one of Mr Hardwidge’s patients died due to Mr Hardwidge’s negligent post-operative care. He failed to fit a tracheostomy to help the patient breathe after surgery to remove a brain tumour, leading to the patient’s avoidable death from pneumonia several weeks later.
The BBC also reported an employment tribunal Judge was “somewhat concerned” when Mr Hardwidge tried to downplay delays in the care of another patient who died in 2012.
Although the ongoing police investigation into the Trust is centred on potential gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter charges, as specialist brain and spinal injury solicitors, we believe there may also be patients treated by the Trust’s neurosurgery team, including Mr Hardwidge, who survived their neurosurgery but have been left with significant brain or spinal injuries due to negligent care.
Mr Hardwidge worked at the trust for over 30 years, was Clinical Director of Neuroscience Stroke Rehabilitation and Spinal surgery at the Trust from 2012 to 2018 and continued in a full time NHS consultant post until he left the trust in May 2023. He continues his work as a spinal and skull-base neurosurgeon in private practice.
Given the nature of neurosurgery, there is an inherent risk of brain and/or spinal injury during surgery. However, not all brain or spinal injuries during or following neurosurgery are inevitable, and sometimes substandard surgical technique, surgical error, or negligent aftercare causes a life-changing brain or spinal injury that could have been avoided with proper care.
If we establish negligent medical care was the likely cause or a significant contribution to a patient’s serious injury, we strive to recover compensation to meet their future needs. This includes obtaining funding for ongoing care and support, any future treatment and therapies, and specially adapted accommodation where needed.
If you or a family member received treatment under the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust’s neurosurgery department and have concerns you or your family member may have suffered injury due to poor care, our specialist Adult Brain Injury or Spinal Injury team would be happy to consider this further for you. Please get in touch with one of our friendly and knowledgeable solicitors to see how we can help.
