Investigation into surgeon's work

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A consultant trauma surgeon in Leeds is being investigated over concerns about his treatment of patients.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has asked the Royal College of Surgeons to look into a "small number of cases" of surgery carried out by Toby Branfoot.

One of the cases involves 21-year-old Simon Aitcheson from Bradford who had his leg amputated after complications.

The trust said Mr Branfoot was currently performing non-clinical duties voluntarily.

Mr Aitcheson had his leg amputated after complications to correct a 3cm left leg length discrepancy and foot deformity.

His lawyers said he now has long term mobility problems and will need further care, an adapted property and a special prosthesis.

'Medical problems'

Rachelle Mahapatra, head of the medical law team at Irwin Mitchell in Leeds, who represent Mr Aitcheson, said the amputation was a "tragedy which will affect his personal and professional life and is likely to cause further medical problems as he grows older".

Mr Aitcheson, a trainee accounts clerk, said: "I cannot describe what the last 12 months have been like for me.

"I hope to pick up my course again and complete my training and try to live as much of a normal life as is possible."

Mr Branfoot has also been reported to the General Medical Council, Irwin Mitchell said.

A Trust spokesman said: "We are currently investigating Mr Branfoot's clinical practice as a result of concerns raised within the Trust.

Patients contacted

"As a result of the concerns raised, the Trust asked the Royal College of Surgeons to look into a small number of cases of complex trauma surgery in order to have an independent expert professional view of the treatment and outcomes.

"A further review of cases is in progress. This is routine in such investigations. Where there is reason for concern patients will be contacted directly by the Trust."

He added that the Trust had a range of safeguards in place to ensure patient care was of "consistently high quality".

"These include a review of all cases by multidisciplinary teams from a range of clinical professions looking into what are often very complex cases."