Leslie Irwin investigation sparks call for former patients to share any historic concerns
Patients with concerns about treatment provided by North East hand surgeon Leslie Irwin are being urged to share their experiences after the launch of a hospital review.
Spire Washington Hospital is in the process of contacting former patients who had operations carried out by Mr Irwin, following concerns that have been raised to The Care Quality Commission.
Spire is carrying out the review under the National Quality Board Recall Framework of NHS England, a system designed to help patients when there are concerns about previous treatment.
Having worked at Spire Washington Hospital and for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust between 2001 and 2023, Mr Irwin retired in 2022 and relinquished his registration with the General Medical Council in May 2025. But it has emerged that Spire Healthcare suspended Mr Irwin in August 2023 and withdrew his practising privileges in September 2024.
Following concerns about the quality of care being provided by Spire Washington Hospital, the Care Quality Commission confirmed that it was inspected on October 14 last year, but its findings are yet to be published.
With thousands of surgeries now potentially under review, Alixandra Cadden Young, our Head of Clinical Negligence, is urging patients with concerns to seek advice and come forward.
Alix explained: “We recognise how upsetting this situation may be for patients and families who could be affected. Spire’s review has highlighted significant concerns about procedures carried out by this hand surgeon over a period that has not yet been clearly defined.
“As the Leslie Irwin investigation continues into the care he provided, anyone who has been treated by him should come forward as soon as possible.”
Have you been affected by the Leslie Irwin investigation?
If you or someone you know have any concerns relating to the Leslie Irwin investigation and think you may have been directly affected, we would urge you to get in touch.
Whatever the circumstances might be, email law@longdens.co.uk or call 0191 566 6500 to discuss your situation. We will treat all enquires in the strictest confidence, and there is no obligation to start a case.
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