In May 2023, Sussex Police launched Operation Bramber, investigating allegations of surgical negligence at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. At Slater and Gordon, we’re working hard to secure the support, justice and answers that those affected deserve.
In May 2023, Sussex Police launched an investigation – known as Operation Bramber – into numerous cases of medical negligence at the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The cases concern neurosurgery and general surgery carried out by several surgeons between 2015 and 2021. However, our experience of talking to patients suggests that there are some cases outside of this timeframe and that other departments may be affected, in particular, we have a growing concern over the maternity department.
The negligence came to light after several whistleblowers raised concerns about the standards of care and working practices within the Trust, with some stating that they had been singled out, dismissed and intimidated for voicing their concerns.
One whistleblower, a consultant neurosurgeon Dr Mansoor Foroughi, was sacked after making allegations on 17 separate occasions, all of which he claims were “ignored or deliberately concealed.”
Other allegations included “gangs” of consultants overlooking high death rates, a “single minded, sadistic obsession” on cost-cutting measures, and “bullying and aggressive behaviour” toward those who flagged concerns.
Independent reports by the CQC and Royal College of Surgeons have highlighted a “culture of fear” at the Trust, as well as poor leadership.
The investigation is ongoing, and we will keep this page updated, posting any significant developments.
What is the scope of Operation Bramber?
In 2024, Operation Bramber was thought to be investigating more than 100 cases of negligence in the general surgery and neurosurgery departments at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Of these cases, at least 40 were thought to be fatalities.
The scope of Operation Bramber is understood to be continuing to increase, with the police adding further resource to their investigation team to help it cope with the scale of the inquiry. Recent reports state that Sussex Police have had to ask the Home Office for extra resources in order to properly handle this growing investigation.
The cases under investigation
At Slater and Gordon, we’re representing a growing number of individuals and families impacted by the negligence and poor standards of care of Royal Sussex County Hospital, several of which form part of Operation Bramber.
One such case is that of Tony Mardell, a former successful business owner who made national headlines through being left dependent on carers after undergoing an operation at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
He was forced to wait over a year for surgery on his benign brain tumour, with his operation being cancelled three times despite worsening seizures, and concerns have been raised over the standards of care he received.
A further case involves a woman admitted for surgery on an arachnoid cyst in 2017. Then in her 40s, the woman woke up from her surgery to be told that she would have to have another operation the same day. It was only when the police began their investigation that she discovered the second operation was actually performed due to a potentially fatal haematoma.
As a result of the surgeries, she now lives with numbness in her left foot and calf, as well as parts of her back and torso, and struggles to walk. Despite this, she has never been offered physiotherapy or any other form of support by University Hospitals Sussex.
What to do if you’ve been affected by surgical negligence
The full extent of the negligence suffered at Royal Sussex County Hospital and wider University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust is still being uncovered. If you believe that you, or someone you love, has suffered unnecessary harm because of negligent or substandard surgical treatment (or any other treatment), we strongly recommend you come forward and speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust is very large and covers the following: Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton), Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (Brighton), Sussex Eye Hospital (Brighton), Worthing Hospital, St Richards Hospital (Chichester), Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath), Southlands Hospital (Shoreham-by-Sea). If you have concerns about treatment at any of these hospitals, we advise you to get in touch.
Nisha Sharma, Principal Lawyer in our medical negligence team in Brighton, says: “We are hearing first-hand from our clients about their experiences at this hospital, and the wider Trust, and have come to understand the significant scale on which sub-standard care has been delivered. In many cases, we are helping clients understand, for the first time, exactly what went wrong in their situations, which is often deeply distressing.
“We would urge anyone with concerns about the Trust and the experience they have had there to come forward. People want and deserve answers over what has happened to them, and as shocking as the details can often be, we are committed to helping families to establish the truth.”
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
Surgical negligence of any kind is often an incredibly harrowing experience, leaving people to suffer due to the negligent behaviour of a professional you trusted with your health and wellbeing.
At Slater and Gordon, our surgical negligence lawyers have many years’ experience in handling these complex cases, working hard to ensure our clients not only achieve the best financial outcome, but that they are also able to access some of the best treatment and rehabilitation available, allowing them to focus on recovery knowing everything is in hand.
Our team are industry leaders and are consistently ranked highly in independent legal directories such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. We’re also proud to count trained nurses and medical professionals among our number, providing us with expert knowledge in-house and helping to ensure our clients receive a top-quality service tailored to their needs.
If you’ve been affected by Operation Bramber, or you are concerned about the treatment you or a loved one has received from a medical professional, our specialist solicitors are on hand to support you. The lawyers dealing with these cases are specialist medical negligence solicitors based in Sussex:
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)