Suspended surgeon harmed hundreds of women

A surgeon has been suspended on the same day a hospital review concluded harm had been caused in hundreds of cases.

A tribunal ruled that Tony Dixon, who used artificial mesh to treat prolapsed bowels at Southmead Hospital, in Bristol, and the Spire Hospital, still posed a risk.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service's hearing concluded on Thursday that a six-month suspension was "appropriate".

Spire Healthcare has now released its review of Mr Dixon, and found 259 cases where harm had been caused. Health bosses have "apologised sincerely".

The majority of harm was in three main areas: the failure to adequately investigate patients prior to offering the procedure; the failure to adequately offer alternative treatments; and poor consent with risks and benefits of the procedure not adequately discussed.

The tribunal found Mr Dixon’s fitness to practise is impaired and his suspension would allow him time to "to develop further insight and remediate his misconduct".

The General Medical Council brought the case against Mr Dixon, who denies all the allegations and maintains that the procedures were carried out in good faith.

His suspension will start immediately.

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Source: BBC News, 18 July 2024