Fletchers Solicitors investigates claims resulting from heart surgeries by Karen Booth at Freeman Hospital

Families across the North East have been left devastated following revelations about serious failings by Karen Booth, heart surgeon at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. An NHS investigation confirmed that at least seven patients died and one was left significantly harmed after undergoing operations led by Ms Booth between 2018 and 2021.

Concerns about Karen Booth’s surgical practice were first raised by colleagues as early as 2018. They warned that she was attempting operations beyond her level of experience and failing to seek senior support. Despite this, the Freeman Hospital did not begin investigating until 2021 – by which time multiple patients had suffered avoidable harm.

A BBC investigation has revealed that Ms Booth:

• Performed complex operations, including the Ozaki procedure, without adequate oversight.
• Failed to call for senior surgical assistance during high-risk procedures.
• Was the subject of repeated internal warnings from colleagues that were ignored.
• Worked within a department where poor governance and culture contributed to unsafe practices.

Despite these findings, Ms Booth continues to be employed by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in a non-surgical role, with plans for her to return to surgery – a move that has alarmed colleagues and families alike.

Freeman Hospital heart surgery negligence – a wider pattern

At Fletchers Solicitors, our Group Actions team has represented clients in similar circumstances. In the cases of surgeons such as Yasser Jabbar and John Bradley Williamson, initial investigations focused on a handful of patients before being expanded to include all patients treated – uncovering a much larger scale of concern.

We believe the same approach is vital in cases of Freeman Hospital heart surgery negligence involving Karen Booth.

Commenting on the case, Sarah Low, Medical Negligence Solicitor at Fletchers, said:

“The review carried out so far does not go far enough. We have seen in other cases, including those involving Yasser Jabbar and John Bradley Williamson, that investigations often begin with a small sample but are later widened to cover all patients treated by the surgeon in question. We believe that an independent and external review of Karen Booth’s surgical cases is essential to uncover the full truth and ensure lessons are learned to protect future patients.”

Freeman Hospital cardiac unit failings

The Royal College of Surgeons carried out an external review of the Freeman Hospital cardiac surgery department in 2021. Its report highlighted:

• A breakdown in professional relationships that risked patient safety.
• Poorly functioning multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDTs).
• A culture of division and mistrust within the surgical team.
• Failures in governance and oversight at executive level.

These systemic issues, combined with failures in individual practice, underline why only a transparent and independent investigation can restore public confidence.

How Fletchers Solicitors can help

Fletchers Solicitors can support clients affected by Karen Booth’s surgery at the Freeman Hospital. If you or a loved one were treated by her between January 2018 and June 2021 and have concerns about the outcome, we are here to help.

Our specialist medical negligence lawyers have decades of experience uncovering the truth in complex cases of surgical failure, including major hospital negligence group actions. Making a claim is not just about the compensation but also preventing further issues and holding the responsible parties to account.  If you would like to speak to someone in our Newcastle office you can contact us and we can arrange a visit with one of our team of solicitors in Newcastle.

If you believe you have been affected by Freeman Hospital heart surgery negligence, contact us today for a free, confidential discussion.