University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Under Criminal Investigation

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is currently the subject of a significant investigation following serious allegations of medical negligence.

Operation Bramber, an investigation by Sussex Police, is examining over 200 cases of preventable deaths and life-altering injuries occurring between 2015 and 2021 according to BBC File on 4 Investigates. There is a particular focus on the neurosurgery and general surgery departments, these allegations raise grave concerns about patient safety and governance within the Trust.

Families of affected patients and whistleblowers have come forward, demanding accountability and expressing deep concerns over the standard of care provided.

Sussex Police has confirmed that the investigation remains “active and ongoing” but has not disclosed specific case numbers at this time. Police officers are currently reviewing relevant cases and referring them to medical experts to examine the care provided. This process is expected to conclude in early 2025. At present, no suspects have been identified.

Origins of the Investigation

The inquiry began after two consultant surgeons raised concerns about alleged medical negligence within the general surgery and neurosurgery departments. Their reports uncovered systemic issues across the hospital, with tragic cases of preventable deaths and serious injuries coming to light.

Potentially Affected Patients

If you received treatment at any of the hospitals under UHS between 2015 and 2021 and have concerns about the care you received, this investigation may be relevant to you. Evidence suggests that systemic failings may have led to significant patient harm due to avoidable lapses in care.

Broader Issues at UHS

The concerns at UHS extend beyond surgical care. Additional areas under scrutiny include:

• Maternity Services: Separate inquiries have raised concerns about inadequate care in maternity units, leading to neonatal harm and maternal distress.
• Staffing Shortages: Reports indicate chronic understaffing and workforce burnout, significantly impacting patient care.
• Workplace Culture: Whistleblowers describe a culture where staff felt unable to raise concerns about patient safety without fear of retaliation.

Legal Options for Affected Patients

If you believe you or a loved one has been impacted by medical negligence at UHS, consider taking the following steps:

1. Document Your Experience: Gather relevant medical records, correspondence, and personal notes related to your treatment. A clear timeline of events can be invaluable.
2. Seek Legal Advice: Consulting a solicitor specialising in medical negligence can help you understand your legal rights, explore compensation options, and hold the Trust accountable.
3. Connect with Support Networks: Advocacy groups and patient support organisations can provide guidance, resources, and emotional support throughout this process.

We’re here to help

The ongoing investigation into UHS highlights the critical need for accountability and strengthened patient safety measures within the healthcare system. The emerging evidence of systemic failings underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent future harm.

If you or a loved one has been affected, seeking legal advice promptly can help protect your rights and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

At Been Let Down, we have a team of legal experts that specialise in clinical negligence claims.

We appreciate that putting in a claim can feel daunting, so we are here to help and support you every step of the way.

Please call us on 0800 234 3234 or contact us and a member of our legal team will call you back.