Fletchers Solicitors Investigating Rotherham Hospital ERCP Failures After Patient Death and Reports of Harm

Fletchers Solicitors is investigating potential medical negligence claims related to the Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) service at Rotherham Hospital, following a damning review which revealed failings in care for dozens of patients.

According to recent NHS Trust documents, an external review identified substandard care in 58 out of 68 ERCP procedures performed between 2016 and 2021. Of those, 25 patients were found to have suffered harm following the procedure. The review was prompted after a cluster of adverse incidents led to the suspension of the ERCP service in July 2021.

Many of these complex procedures were carried out by a single consultant nurse over the five-year period; a fact flagged by the Royal College of Physicians as contributing to poor clinical outcomes due to “isolated practice” and “a lack of oversight”.

The ERCP procedure is used to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. While known to carry inherent risks, the review highlighted multiple avoidable issues, including:

• Inadequate informed consent processes
• Poor radiological documentation
• Concerns over sedation and stent choice
• Delays in recognising post-procedure complications
• Premature discharges without appropriate follow-up

In one publicly reported case, a patient tragically died from sepsis weeks after undergoing an ERCP at Rotherham Hospital. The Trust later admitted that she had not been properly informed about the risks of the procedure, and that she had been prematurely discharged despite complaints of pain.

The nurse consultant involved is currently under investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and has been placed under interim conditions.

A Call for Accountability and Support for Affected Patients

Fletchers Solicitors Group Action team is looking into this to help those who have suffered avoidable harm as a result of undergoing an ERCP procedure at Rotherham Hospital during the affected timeframe.

Francesca Paul, Partner in the Group Action team at Fletchers Solicitors, said:

“The findings of the external review are deeply concerning and point to systemic failures in patient safety and governance. Patients undergoing ERCP should expect the highest standard of care and clear communication around the risks involved. We are particularly troubled by the suggestion that many patients were discharged prematurely or not properly monitored following their procedures. We will help those affected in any way we can seek justice”

“We are here to support individuals and families who believe they or their loved ones may have been harmed due to substandard care at Rotherham Hospital. We would urge anyone who has concerns about their treatment, or that of a relative, to get in touch with our team for a confidential discussion.”

What Should Affected Patients Do?

If you or a loved one underwent an ERCP procedure at Rotherham Hospital between 2016 and 2021, and experienced complications, unplanned readmissions, or poor outcomes, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.

Our team of specialist solicitors is currently reviewing cases and can provide advice with no obligation and on a No win, No fee basis. If you aren’t sure and want to know what your options are just call us Free today.