MP says new investigation required into surgeon who conducted ‘botched’ operations at Salford Royal

The MP for Worsley and Eccles says a new investigation is required into a surgeon who conducted ‘botched’ surgeries at Salford Royal Hospital.

Michael Wheeler MP was part of a group of Greater Manchester MPs that asked the Prime Minister to help patients ‘secure justice’.

The move follows a report in 2023 that criticised spinal surgeon John Bradley Williamson for causing ‘severe harm’ to patients in his care in Salford, leading to serious blood loss, long-term pain and mobility problems.

It said the surgeon’s “unacceptable and unjustifiable” actions contributed to the death of 17-year-old Catherine O’Connor at Salford Royal Hospital in February 2007. The surgeon worked at the hospital between 1991 and January 2015, when he was dismissed due to an unrelated matter.

But a group of MPs from Greater Manchester say additional cases should be investigated.

Mr Wheeler commented: “I was in the Commons Chamber alongside my colleague, Jo Platt MP, to support her when she raised the case of the patients and families affected by the conduct of spinal surgeon, John Bradley Williamson, at hospitals across Greater Manchester.

“It is always important to hear the stories of the individuals concerned and I have been deeply moved by the long-term impact of the treatment on their lives, experiences which are still clearly very emotionally raw for the patients and their families.

“I am committed to working with the patients and families, and with colleagues across Parliament, to support them to get the answers and justice that they deserve.”

Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey also tweeted: “We must secure justice for all of our constituents affected and pleased to see so many MPs across GM supporting the group.”

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Salford Royal Hospital, previously commissioned a review after concerns about Williamson’s conduct and capability were raised in 2021.

It found that the surgeon’s “unacceptable and unprofessional behaviour” severely or moderately harmed 20 patients at Salford Royal.

The report examined the care of 130 of Williamson’s patients, treated between 2009 and 2014. However Williamson had been working at the Salford Royal since 1991.

The prime minister promised a meeting with ministers.