The police investigation into claims of preventable deaths and injuries at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has grown substantially, now covering over 200 cases.

Initially launched in 2023, the investigation began with 105 cases after whistleblowers raised concerns about medical negligence in neurosurgery and general surgery. Among these cases, allegations surrounding at least 40 deaths have prompted an intensive review by both police and healthcare oversight bodies.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are reportedly exploring the possibility of filing charges such as gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter.

What are the allegations?

Central to the investigation are claims of systemic failings within the Trust’s surgical departments. Whistleblower reports have drawn attention to alarmingly high rates of harm to patients. Four whistle blowers at University Hospitals Sussex told the BBC that patients had died unnecessarily while others were “effectively maimed”.

An investigation by Royal College of Surgeons said the surgery department was operating in “a culture of fear” where bullying and harassment from management was rife.

The Trust has publicly acknowledged enduring challenges in maintaining the quality and safety of care, citing staffing pressures and structural issues as contributing factors. While they assert that improvements are underway, the scope of the police investigation suggests a need for a more comprehensive review of past practices and accountability.

This ongoing inquiry highlights the serious repercussions for the families involved, many of whom are still seeking clarity about the standard of care their loved ones received.

Here at Farleys, we have represented a number of clients in inquests, compensation claims and with supporting NHS England investigations relating to care provided by NHS Trusts. These reports are deeply concerning and it is important that full investigations are carried out to identify any patterns and to ensure that causes of death are identified and lessons are learned. Further, the reported culture of fear and bullying results in further risks to patient safety if these incidents go unreported.

Some examples of clients we have supported through the inquest process include:

  • The family of Jamie Osbourne –

Jamie took his own life at HMP Lewes in 2016. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust were fined over £225,000 for failing to act in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Trust Plead Guilty in Connection with Death at HMP Lewes

Farleys secure settlement from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

  • The families of Rowan Thompson and Charlie Millers –

Rowan and Charlie were both inpatients at Prestwich Hospital and died within months of each other. Juries concluded critical findings towards Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in both of their inquests, and NHS England commissioned an independent review which revealed a number of missed opportunities and significant learning.

Review of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Inquest into the Death of Rowan Thompson Concludes Neglect

Charlie Millers Inquest Concludes Multi-Agency Failings

We also have an experienced team of medical negligence solicitors. Patients are often unaware of the negligent treatment they have suffered until many years later, such as when internal investigations identify failings in care.

What will happen next?

An organisation is guilty of corporate manslaughter if the way in which it manages or organises its activities causes a death and amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care to the deceased. The offence of corporate manslaughter is concerned with corporate liability, whereas the offence of gross negligence manslaughter can apply to individuals. Gross negligence manslaughter is where an individual’s breach of duty owed to another was a substantial cause of the death and the conduct was so grossly negligence to amount to a criminal act or omission deserving punishment. Both are serious charges, with substantial legal and reputational implications for the Trust.

For affected families, the investigation may provide an opportunity to seek justice and accountability. Where negligence is proven, families may also pursue civil claims for compensation.

At Farleys, we understand the devastating impact of medical negligence on families. Investigations like these often reveal not just individual errors but wider systemic issues that can persist within healthcare institutions for years.

We also have significant experience of representing families at inquests of those whose loved ones have suffered preventable deaths due to failings by hospital Trusts.

To discuss the possibility of legal representation at the inquest and the funding options available, please get in touch with Farleys’ inquest team 0845 287 0939, contact us through our online form, or use the chat button below.