Witness appeal – Mr Khai Sing Lam, spinal surgeon at HCA’s London Bridge Hospital
I represent a client who has suffered life-changing injury following treatment in 2016 under the care of Mr Khai Sing Lam, a consultant orthopaedic and spinal surgeon. My client was treated at London Bridge Hospital, which is part of HCA Healthcare UK (the Second Defendant in our client’s claim).
Mr Lam died in December 2021. There are a number of concerns we identified in respect of the care my client received from Mr Lam (during the course of treatment he provided at the London Bridge Hospital) including allegations relating to:
- inadequate processes in securing consent;
- underestimation of the risks of surgery;
- sub-standard surgical and postoperative care; and
- duplicate letter of clinical advice, with one important difference in the versions – it contained significantly different risk percentages.
The concerns in our client’s case were investigated by the General Medical Council. Mr Lam was suspended whilst investigations were undertaken. An Interim Orders Tribunal Decision was made in September 2021. The Case Examiner’s decision stated, “this case should be referred to an interim orders tribunal in the interests of patient safety and in the public interest”.
The expert whose evidence was quoted in the Interim Orders Tribunal Decision stated, “The risk of paralysis quoted for surgical treatment of cord compression from a calcified thoracic disc was below a reasonable standard of care” and “…if there is concern regarding probity, specifically regarding the retrospective amendment of clinical records. If proven, this should be considered seriously below a reasonable standard of care.”
We understand that other patients have complained or pursued negligence claims against the late Mr Lam in respect of treatment provided by him at HCA’s London Bridge Hospital. On behalf of my client, I am appealing for witnesses who may be able to assist with our investigations.
We would ask anyone who has experienced issues with the care provided by Mr Lam at HCA’s London Bridge Hospital to please come forward.
If you have any information that might assist my client in her pursuit for justice, please contact me by email: alexdabek@boltburdonkemp.co.uk or telephone 07557 804 258.
