Orthopaedic Group Action – Supporting 140 clients in relation to Mr Jeremy Parker
We are supporting 140 patients of Mr Jeremy Parker through legal proceedings, following concerns relating to his surgical procedures.
The specialist orthopaedic surgeon, formally based at Colchester Hospital and specialising in hip and knee surgery, has been suspended. Mr Jeremy Parker also practised at the Oaks Hospital, but no longer works at either hospital following his suspension order in July 2019.
Fletchers has been instructed to represent 140 claimants who have suffered complications following treatment received from Mr Jeremy Parker, consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
Mr Parker conducted the majority of his surgeries under the NHS or the Choose and Book scheme, however, we are also instructed in a number of claims relating to private treatment.
Over 30 cases relating to Mr Parker have now been settled and to date, over £1 million in compensation has been paid out.
The ongoing hearing 2022
Mr Parker was due for a new hearing beginning on 28th November 2022, where medical practitioners would consider the case. This was scheduled for 6 days and to be completed on 5th December 2022, however the tribunal has been ‘split listed’ with further dates in January and February 2023 listed. The latest of these dates is 30th January- 3rd February 2023.
The tribunal covers a case of impairment by reason of misconduct which affected 7 known patients between August 2015 and February 2019.
It is alleged that Mr Parker:
Failed to diagnose infection before and/or after operating, and when infection was evident, he failed to act upon the diagnosis
Failed to discuss care with other medical professionals prior to operating
Failed to record the rationale of his decision making
Failed to ensure a safe approach was carried out during surgery
Failed to discuss risks of surgery, therefore not obtaining informed consent
Failed to refer a patient to an appropriate specialist
Failed to review documentation such as x-rays, MRI Imaging & GP referral letter
The hearing will also consider the fact that Mr Parker carried out surgeries although in October 2018, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust and Ramsay Healthcare imposed restrictions on his clinical practice. It is alleged that Mr Parker performed surgery in breach of one or more of the restrictions on your clinical practice
Our position on the matter
Head of Medical Negligence, Christian Beadell who is working on the case said:
“We have been instructed by 140 former patients of Mr Jeremy Parker who were treated by him over many years leading up to his suspension in 2019. During that time, Mr Parker primarily conducted hip and knee surgeries as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon operating out of the Colchester Hospital and the Oaks Medical centre.
“We are investigating a number of aspects of Mr Parker’s treatment of our clients but in particular his decision making with regards to proceeding to surgery and the consent process. Many of our clients have undergone surgeries with poor outcomes resulting in lifelong changes. It has been particularly difficult for them to find answers in relation to their treatment due to the absence of any formal recall of Mr Parker’s patients and as result it has only been through pursuing claims that many of these clients have received a clear understanding of where their treatment fell below a reasonable standard.
“We are in discussions with the Trust’s legal representatives and have adopted a collaborative approach to resolve these claims as swiftly and economically as possible with over £1m in damages having already been recovered for our clients.”