Urgent police probe launched after HUNDREDS of surgery deaths at major NHS trust
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An urgent police probe into hundreds of surgery deaths and injuries at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust has doubled in size since 2023, with officers now examining more than 200 cases.
The investigation, known as Operation Bramber, was launched after whistleblowers raised concerns about general surgery and neurosurgery at the trust.
The probe covers allegations of poor care and practice within the trust, with cases of alleged medical negligence now reaching 200, twice the initial number identified when the investigation began.
Sussex Police has taken more than 130 statements and produced 550 reports from interviews with individuals connected to the investigation.
The investigation has zoned in on neurosurgery and general surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton between 2015 and 2021
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Principal lawyer Nisha Sharma from Slater and Gordon, who is handling cases within Operation Bramber, said: "It is truly heart-breaking and we only hope they received the answers they need and deserve through this police investigation."
The investigation has zoned in on neurosurgery and general surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton between 2015 and 2021.
Sharma has urged anyone with concerns over care from University Hospitals Sussex to come forward.
Among the cases being investigated is that of Lewis Chilcott, 23, from Billingshurst, whose father Simon claims errors during treatment led to his son's death.
Lewis underwent a tracheostomy at the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath before being transferred to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he later died.
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Simon Chilcott believed that something was wrong at the trust and continues to search for the "truth", saying he has "no confidence" in the organisation.
Another case under investigation is that of Tony Mardell, a father-of-two from East Preston near Worthing, who faced a year-long wait for surgery on his benign brain tumour.
Police are examining his care after he reported experiencing constant pain and limited mobility following the operation.
Independent specialist consultant surgeons have been brought in to provide expert medical opinions as part of the investigation.
These consultants have now undergone a nationally accepted vetting process and are completely independent of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
Sussex Police has recorded more than 130 statements and produced 550 reports from interviews with individuals linked with the investigation
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A Sussex Police spokesperson said their findings will be considered alongside other police enquiries to determine which cases will be taken forward. For instance, caes that do not meet a criminal threshold will be removed from the investigation.
"Sussex Police is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation," the spokesperson said, explaining that due to the complex nature of the enquiries, the process would take considerable time to complete.
Professor Katie Urch, Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals Sussex, said the trust was "cooperating fully" with Sussex Police's investigation, emphasising that patient care remains the trust's "priority".
The Chief Medical Officer added that the organisation was "continually working" on improving its services and patients.
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