Imagine discovering that the surgeries you trusted with your health are now under scrutiny. This is the shocking reality for patients of North East orthopaedic surgeon Leslie Irwin, whose procedures are being reviewed by Spire Washington Hospital following concerns raised with healthcare regulators. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: one long-term patient, who underwent dozens of surgeries over two decades, expressed feeling 'absolutely shocked and gutted' after learning her treatments were under investigation. 'I thought I was in the safest hands possible,' she shared, her trust now shattered.
Spire Washington Hospital has confirmed it is actively reaching out to former patients and examining specific operations performed by Mr. Irwin, a process triggered by concerns reported to healthcare watchdogs. This review, conducted under NHS England’s National Quality Board Recall Framework, aims to address potential issues with past treatments and provide support to affected individuals.
But here’s the part most people miss: while the hospital is contacting patients it believes may be impacted, it’s also urging anyone with concerns who hasn’t been reached out to yet to come forward. This raises a critical question: How many more patients might be affected, and what does this mean for their health and peace of mind?
For those seeking guidance, here’s what you can do:
- Contact Spire Washington Hospital directly at 0191 720 3031 or via email at spirepne@spirehealthcare.com.
- Report concerns to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for regulating healthcare services, at enquiries@cqc.org.uk or 03000 616161.
- Seek independent legal advice if you’re worried about the care you received. Slater and Gordon, a legal firm supporting several former patients, is hosting an online legal clinic on Tuesday, January 20. For more details, contact dominic.smith@slatergordon.uk.
The CQC has already inspected Spire Washington Hospital in October 2023, though its findings are yet to be published. Meanwhile, Spire has assured it is in direct contact with all relevant patients to review their care and offer support. Mr. Irwin, who retired from NHS practice in 2022 and relinquished his General Medical Council registration in May 2025, has not responded to requests for comment.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Spire is taking steps to address the issue, the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, where Mr. Irwin also worked, is not currently recalling patients. Instead, it’s merely considering information shared by Spire. Is this enough, or should the Trust take more proactive measures to ensure patient safety?
Jodie Cook, a specialist lawyer at Slater and Gordon, described the situation as 'deeply distressing' for those affected. 'For many, this review has raised serious questions about procedures carried out over an unknown period,' she said, urging anyone under Mr. Irwin’s care with concerns to reach out urgently.
This case leaves us with a thought-provoking question: How can patients truly ensure they’re in safe hands, and what responsibility do healthcare providers have when concerns arise? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.
