An NHS Trust has set up a compensation scheme for all those affected by the negligent treatment of an NHS surgeon. Roger Bainton was a skull surgeon who reconstructed the faces of accident and assault victims at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.  However, it was discovered during an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) that he was using an unproven bone substitute to rebuild the faces of patients. Of all 88 patients that he treated, 18 were harmed as a result of this experimental procedure.

Mr Bainton was suspended from his position at the hospital in February 2013 after the GMC made these findings. This month the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust set up a compensation fund to help all 18 patients injured as a result of his treatment methods.

“receive the best possible care”

The University Hospital of North Staffordshire’s medical director, Robert Courteney-Harris, apologised to all those affected.  He said that he was “profoundly sorry” to all those patients harmed by Mr Bainton before his suspension in 2013.  He continued: “They can have absolute confidence that they will receive the best possible care and treatment from our senior oral and maxillofacial consultants”.

Solicitors acting on behalf of the trust and the patients said that they had selected experts and organised a preliminary timetable to “consider and resolve claims cost-effectively”. They also stressed that they would go to great lengths to prevent patients from having to attend court.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.