Cambridge surgeon suspended after review
An external review found hip surgeries for nine children did not meet expected standards, leading to the suspension of an orthopaedic surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon has been suspended after an external review found that hip surgeries carried out on nine children did not meet expected standards. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust has apologised to the affected families and set up a dedicated helpline.
The trust’s chief executive, Roland Sinker, confirmed that the review was commissioned in October 2024 following concerns raised by colleagues. Conducted by an independent expert, the review examined complex paediatric hip surgeries performed over the past two and a half years.
"The external review was completed in January 2025 and identified that the outcomes of treatment provided to nine children were below the standard we would expect and that they and their families are entitled to expect from us," Sinker said.
While the review found that none of the cases were life-threatening, it concluded that some of the children’s quality of life had been affected.
“As a precautionary measure in 2024, the trust had restricted the individual's clinical practice. Following the outcome of the review, they were suspended and are fully co-operating with the trust’s process,” Sinker added.
The trust has apologised to the affected patients and their families.
“We are very sorry that this has happened and we apologise unreservedly to our patients and their families,” Sinker said.
A freephone helpline has been set up for those seeking further information on 0808 175 6331.