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Police inquiry into patient deaths in Worcestershire

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of a number of patients who were under the care of a consultant surgeon while he was working in Worcestershire in 2012.

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Trust co-operating with police over patient death probe

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of a number of patients who were under the care of a consultant surgeon while he was working in Worcestershire in 2012.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has released the following statement:

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is co-operating fully with the police on their investigation into one of its colorectal surgeons, Mr Sudip Sarker.

The Trust would like to reassure patients and their relatives that as soon as it became aware there was a potential problem the Trust acted swiftly and responsibly to protect its patients.

It alerted the Royal College of Surgeons in July 2012 and asked them to review his clinical practice. While the review was on-going the Trust put restrictions on the surgeon’s practice. He was excluded from the Trust in October 2012.

An expert multidisciplinary team has reviewed the medical records of all his patients who had undergone a major operation (eg for bowel cancer). Patients we were concerned about were recalled for further assessment and appropriate investigations.

A separate review of all patients who had any contact with Mr Sarker (outpatient appointments or minor procedures) is being performed by a team of specialist external surgeons. Patients in this group who require further assessment/ investigation are also being invited back to the hospital.

– Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
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Surgeon investigated over Worcestershire patient deaths

West Mercia Police have described the case as a 'complex matter'. Credit: Rui Vieira/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Police have confirmed they have launched an investigation into the deaths of a number of patients cared for by consultant surgeon Sudip Sarker, while he was working in Worcestershire.

Mr Sarker was employed by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

North Worcestershire Superintendent Kevin Purcell said the investigation began after officers received a letter in December last year.

He said: “We were made aware that there were a number of concerns in relation to the deaths of patients in 2012 who had been under Mr Sarker’s care.

"We are in the early stages of obtaining the relevant information from hospitals and other health organisations in order to conduct our investigation.

“We cannot be specific about numbers at this time but can confirm that the deaths of three patients whose joint inquest was adjourned in December (2013) form part of this inquiry.

"The families of those people have been informed and updated on the situation."

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