Poor Treatment

More than 200 patients sue Liverpool Women's Hospital

More than 200 patients are preparing to sue Liverpool Women's Hospital over the poor treatment they allege they received from a doctor.

Consultant urogynaecologist George Rowland is accused of performing inappropriate surgery for incontinence problems on hundreds of women.

Ian Cohen, of Goodman's solicitors, said the condition of many of the women became worse under Mr Rowlands' care.

The hospital has apologised for any harm or distress caused.

Mr Cohen said that women have until September to put forward their legal claim.

He added: "A lot of these women went in with relatively minor symptoms but have come out with conditions like double incontinence.

"With over 200 women coming forward, I hope it ensures that lessons have been learnt.

"Many have lost out financially while they have been recovering from the poor treatment they say they received.

"It is only right they should be compensated for what they have been through."

Mr Rowlands is currently being investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC).

'Substandard care'

The case notes of 600 women that he treated were re-evaluated after the hospital carried out an internal governance investigation.

Mr Cohen added: "Misdiagnosis and substandard post-operative care are among the complaints we have received."

Kathryn Thomson, chief executive of Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Safe, high quality care is and always has been our first priority.

"I would like to emphasise that this issue relates to the practice of one individual and I apologise unreservedly for any harm or distress caused to our patients.

"I would like to reassure the public that central to our investigation has been the well-being of the women under our care."

(Published by BBC – May 12, 2010)