This site uses cookies to bring you the best experience. Find out more
Skip to main content
  • Home
  • News
  • Trust Issues: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Scandal

Trust Issues: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Scandal

28 October 2024

The shocking truth about an NHS Trust once hailed as the gold standard in healthcare is slowly being revealed, with widespread dysfunction and toxic work environments coming to light. Whistleblowers have raised a multitude of concerns about working practices at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, including inadequate patient safety and physical abuse of staff members.

While it’s impossible to cover all the unfolding issues at the Trust, recent headlines paint a grim picture: ‘A surgeon left a medical specimen bag inside me after hernia op’; Surgeon at NHS hospital promoted despite allegedly assaulting staff; Bereaved mother calls for inquiry into baby deaths at NHS hospital; and Surgeon operated with penknife he uses to cut up lunch are all related to the healthcare trust. [1] A further news story states that police are investigating ‘at least 105 cases of alleged medical negligence at the trust’, whilst the BBC has reported on ‘gang culture’ in the neurosurgery department.[2] Whistleblowers have faced harassment and, in some cases, loss of their careers.[3]

The absolute failure to uphold the basic standards of care and conduct shakes confidence in the healthcare system, not only for patients but also those on the front line of care. How can we trust that patient care is a priority when we are actively discouraged, or punished, for revealing sub-standard practices? How can we feel safe at work if there is no recourse for if we don’t?

We are facing a culture of fear and dysfunction, underpinned by a disturbing trend of protecting institutional reputation. This is at the expense of patient safety and staff wellbeing, both of which are synonymous with patient outcomes. We are again calling for change, for the protection of whistleblowers, and for the overhaul of an outdated, broken system.

CBS President Mark Henley says:

“For years, NHS Trusts like University Hospitals Sussex were seen as models of excellence and held as the institutions for others to emulate, but beneath the surface, there is a serious lack of accountability that endangers both patients and staff. We are acutely aware of the pressures these environments place on surgical professionals and work hard to provide help for anyone who is encountering difficulties in the workplace. For example, we ensure that nobody stands alone when confronting systemic failures in healthcare.”

CBS has established the Surgical Advisory Service (SAS), which offers independent, confidential support to all members of the surgical team who may face unfair disciplinary procedures, legal challenges, or other professional difficulties. In the first instance, this service is open to all; for ongoing support, a CBS membership is required.

CBS is committed to the psychological wellbeing of its members, and offers counselling and support as well as an Employee/Member Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal. Please contact us for more information.

Reference:

Read other news articles