Please call Ison Harrison solicitors today on 0113 284 5000 or email clinneg@isonharrison.co.uk
Mr Leslie Irwin, a former Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who practised at Spire Washington Hospital and within South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is currently under investigation regarding the standard of surgeries he carried out over a period exceeding two decades. Former patients are now being urged to come forward, and we strongly encourage anyone affected by Mr Irwin’s care to seek legal advice.
Ison Harrison provide highly specialised legal advice in clinical negligence cases and have a particular expertise in representing orthopaedic patients. Our solicitors have a broad range of experience and are extremely knowledgeable in dealing with potential claims involving large recalls of patients over concerns of negligent practices. For further information, read our article on Orthopaedic Surgeon, Michael Walsh.
Who is Leslie Irwin?
Mr Irwin, now retired, was an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in wrist and arm surgery. He provided treatment to patients on a private basis at Spire Washington Hospital and worked within the NHS at Sunderland Royal Hospital, operated by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. At this stage, concerns have only been raised regarding care provided privately between 2001 – 2023 at Spire Washington Hospital.
In August 2023, Spire Healthcare suspended Mr Irwin following concerns being raised of potential negligence. Thereafter in September 2024, Mr Irwin’s practising privileges were withdrawn and, in May 2025, Mr Irwin “de-registered” himself with the General Medical Council.
Why are patients being recalled?
Mr Irwin is being investigated for allegedly performing unnecessary and potentially harmful surgeries on multiple patients. Many former patients have already been contacted by Spire Hospital as part of the ongoing enquiries, although the total number of those affected remains unknown.
One patient, who reportedly underwent 30 procedures over 20 years, has since learned, through independent medical evidence, that many of these surgeries were unnecessary and poorly performed.
Another patient underwent seven procedures and was later informed that some may have been unwarranted or carried out to a substandard level. He now lives with chronic pain and a long-term complication that may be linked to those surgeries.
What happens next?
Investigations remain ongoing, and additional individuals continue to be contacted. The full extent of any harm caused is still unclear, and the CQC’s formal report is awaited.
How can Ison Harrison assist?
It is deeply distressing for patients to discover that ongoing pain or difficulties with day‑to‑day activities may stem from inappropriate or substandard surgery. Understandably, this can have a profound effect on physical health as well as mental health.
The concerns surrounding Leslie Irwin highlight important issues around patient safety, clinical oversight, and the monitoring of both private and NHS surgical practice. While no final conclusions have yet been reached regarding clinical negligence, the reports emerging from former patients demonstrate the need for transparency, thorough investigation, and accessible legal support.
As further information becomes available – including findings from the CQC – a clearer picture will emerge.
If you have been involved in the recall or have any concerns about medical treatment you have received, please contact us for free, no obligation and confidential advice on your legal rights. We can be contacted on 0113 284 5000 or by email clinneg@isonharrison.co.uk.
