A surgeon at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton used a Swiss army knife to perform chest surgery on a patient who went into cardiac arrest, as he claimed he could not find a sterile scalpel. The incident took place in December 2023, with internal documents revealing that the surgeon’s colleagues found his actions “questionable” and were surprised at his inability to locate a scalpel. The patient, fortunately, survived the ordeal.
The NHS trust running the hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, explained that the patient required emergency surgery but suffered cardiac arrest before being taken to the operating theatre, necessitating immediate life-saving intervention. Professor Catherine Urch, the trust’s chief medical officer, acknowledged that the surgeon’s actions were outside standard procedures and should not have been necessary. The incident was reported by the surgeon, and a thorough review was conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Sussex Police are currently investigating allegations of medical negligence at the trust, spanning from 2015 to 2021, specifically in neurosurgery and general surgery at the Brighton hospital. Patients and their families affected by poor standards of care at the Royal Sussex are being represented by lawyer Nisha Sharma from Slater and Gordon. The revelations about the hospital’s practices have raised serious concerns within the community, with Sharma describing the use of a penknife in surgery as appalling.
The ongoing investigation involves a dedicated team of officers liaising with affected patients and families, with full cooperation from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The trust has committed to addressing any shortcomings identified in the review process and sharing lessons learned to enhance patient safety protocols. The situation adds to the growing scrutiny of medical practices at the Royal Sussex Hospital and underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of care in healthcare facilities.
The Royal Sussex County Hospital incident is part of a broader examination of potential medical negligence cases at the trust, highlighting the need for thorough investigations and accountability in healthcare settings to safeguard patient well-being. The community’s trust in the hospital’s ability to provide safe and effective care remains a key concern amidst these revelations, reinforcing the importance of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in healthcare practices.