Derriford Heart Doctor In Misconduct Probe
It has been reported that Dr Motwani, former Consultant Cardiologist at Derriford Hospital, will appear before the General Medical Council’s Fitness to Practice Panel between 14 June 2010 and 23 November 2010.
Following an internal hospital audit, concerns arose in relation to the care that Dr Motwani, a pioneering heart surgeon, provided his patients. It is reported that a number of deaths may have occurred as a result of these concerns.
Whilst the hospital should be commended for undertaking such a thorough review, it is possible that many more cases of substandard care may be identified in due course.
Foot Anstey, who have the largest specialist clinical negligence team in the South West, have already been contacted by a number of patients, or families of deceased patients, of Dr Motwani and investigations into possible claims are commencing.
Robert Antrobus, partner and head of Foot Anstey’s clinical negligence team, said "It is always a worry to families when stories break relating to the care provided by a respected surgeon. It should be understood that the review has highlighted only a small number of cases, with the hospital’s Medical Director saying that the vast majority of Dr Motwani’s work has not raised concern.
"That said, should any patients, or their families, have any worries in relation to the care that has been received they should seek expert legal advice".
Commenting on the case of Valerie Burns whose son, Jason Burns, was contacted by Derriford Hospital following the review, Robert Antrobus said "This family were referred to us as we have dealt with a number of serious medical claims in the past.
"Cases such as this are complex but we will use our experience to work with all parties, including the hospital who clearly have a robust system in place for uncovering possible breaches of care, to establish the facts surrounding the death of their mother and bring to an end their uncertainty."
Anyone who has any anxieties should contact Robert Antrobus at Foot Anstey on 0800 694 0441
Click here for a June update of this misconduct claim
Published 01/04/2010
