Epsom & St Helier Hospital Claims

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of progressive lung conditions that affect the tissue and space around the air sacs in the lungs. If not diagnosed and managed accurately, ILD can significantly reduce quality of life and life expectancy. Effective treatment depends on early, accurate diagnosis and coordinated input from a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT).

The Trust’s investigation identified 216 patients who received inadequate or incorrect ILD care. Of those, 91 patients have subsequently passed away. The investigation found failures across diagnosis, referral, and treatment – with the failings attributed primarily to the actions of a single respiratory consultant, Dr Veronica Varney.

As of the 8th May 2026, We understand that important patient safety information, first outlined in the Royal College of Surgeons report, is being discussed in the public meeting on Friday 8th May. The outcome will be communicated to the patients impacted by the review.

External reviews into specific safety concerns, such as the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) Invited Review of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) care at St Helier, have also indicated the need to improve early detection of safety issues, psychological safety for staff – who choose to raise concerns – and appropriately timely and effective organisational responses.

We remain close to the ongoing developments and will publish updates here as we receive them.

If you or a loved one were treated for ILD at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Trust – particularly under Dr Veronica Varney’s care – and you believe the treatment or referrals you received were inadequate, you may have a valid claim. You do not need to be certain. Contact us for a free case assessment and we will review your circumstances and advise you honestly.

A group action allows multiple people who have been harmed by the same or similar failures to bring their claims together. This approach means that evidence gathered across all cases can strengthen each individual claim, and the process is managed efficiently by a specialist team. We handle the complexity on your behalf – investigating your case, working with medical experts, and keeping you informed at every stage. You will still have your own case, assessed individually on its merits.

In most medical negligence cases, you have three years from the date you knew – or could reasonably have known – that you suffered harm as a result of negligent care. For cases involving a patient who has died, the three-year period typically runs from the date of death or the date of knowledge, whichever is later. Time limits can be complex, so we recommend getting in touch as soon as possible.

We generally work on a No Win, No Fee basis, which means there is no financial risk to you in bringing a claim. We will explain the funding arrangements clearly before any work begins, so you know exactly where you stand.

Our group actions team will guide you through every step of the process. You will receive regular updates, clear explanations of what is happening, and personal support from a team that understands the emotional weight of these cases. We work with independent medical experts to assess your case thoroughly, and we are committed to keeping you informed and supported from your first conversation with us to the resolution of your claim.

A group action is where a group of people with a similar problem against (usually the same) defendant(s) get together to fight an injustice as a single group. There is usually one firm which is appointed as the lead solicitor (if there are other law firms involved) to coordinate the group and negotiate with the defendants for a settlement. Where there are several firms we would apply to the Court for a Group Litigation Order.

A group action can provide various advantages, including, strength in numbers. Combining similar claims in a group litigation can enhance the overall impact and strength of the case. There are also cost sharing efficiencies.

Participants in group litigation can share the costs of legal proceedings, making it more financially feasible for individuals. It can also be more efficient as group litigation in the England and Wales aims to streamline the legal process by consolidating similar claims, leading to increased efficiency and a potentially quicker resolution. It can in some cases also increased leverage; The collective weight of a group of claimants can provide increased leverage when negotiating settlements or pursuing a settlement. It can also be beneficial to the legal system speeding up the process by not having to deal with the claims separately.