A SECOND doctor at Solihull Hospital and the privately-run Spire Parkway Hospital is under investigation over the treatment he has given to cancer patients – The Observer can exclusively reveal.
Mr Arackal Manu Nair, known as Manu, was suspended from his post as consultant urologist at Solihull Hospital and ‘ceased working’ at Spire Parkway in April 2014 when colleagues raised their suspicions about his surgery with hospital bosses – in a case with alleged similarities to that of controversial breast surgeon Ian Paterson (see page three).
Mr Paterson performed his cleavage-sparing technique, which left victims with a greater chance of the cancer returning, without his patients’ permission.
He also performed mastectomies on women who didn’t even have cancer.
We have not been able to confirm the exact details of the investigation into Mr Nair, although a review by the Royal Colloge of Surgeons recommended that ‘as a precautionary measure’ his prostatectomy patients should be reviewed.
Mr Nair, who since his suspension has resigned from his post at the Heart of England NHS Trust, is also under investigation by the General Medical Council for his treatment of 170 radical prostatectomy patients at Solihull Hospital and his treatment of patients at the Spire Healthcare group.
A radical prostatectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland where patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Highlighting the significance of the investigation, his patients have all been contacted directly by the Trust – and Spire Healthcare – and offered the opportunity to meet with an independent consultant to discuss their concerns and on-going care.
All of these NHS clinics were completed by July 2015 and most of the patients took up the offer to meet, while all his private patients at Spire Parkway, Spire Little Aston and BMI Priory Hospital who it was deemed needed further assessment have been seen by specialists.
Their case reviews were in-line with the changes made as a result of the Kennedy Review into the disturbing case of ‘cleavage-sparing mastectomy’ doctor Ian Paterson.
Speaking to The Observer this week Dr Andrew Catto, Executive Medical Director and Deputy CEO at the Heart of England NHS Trust said: “Following concerns regarding the clinical practice of consultant urologist Mr Arackal Manu Nair, the trust, working with its independent sector partners Spire Parkway and BMI The Priory, requested a team from the Royal College of Surgeons to review Mr Manu Nair’s surgical practices in the NHS and independent sector.
“The review made a number of recommendations, including that, as a precautionary measure, the trust should specifically review patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy by Mr Manu Nair.
“Mr Manu Nair was suspended from practising at the trust while the review took place and was referred to the General Medical Council who imposed conditions upon his registration.
“He has subsequently resigned from his post.”
He added: “We would like to unreservedly apologise for any distress this has caused.
“We recognise that this is a worrying time for patients who have been treated by Mr Manu Nair and we continue to do everything possible to ensure that both patients and their families have the help and support they need.
“Although all radical prostatectomy patients who wished to take up the opportunity for an appointment have done so, if patients or members of their family have any further concerns our patient services team are available on 0121 424 0808.
“There is continued detailed scrutiny of Mr Manu Nair’s practice.”
Dr JJ de Gorter, Group Medical Director at Spire Healthcare confirmed the organisation had requested a review of the clinical practice of Mr Manu Nair, who held practising privileges at Spire Little Aston Hospital, Spire Parkway Hospital and BMI Priory Hospital.
He added: “The review request followed the implementation of a new, enhanced system for governing the practice of consultants practising within Spire Parkway Hospital.
“Spire worked with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and BMI Healthcare to review Mr Nair.
“The review has now been completed as well as a recall of all relevant patients treated by Mr Nair.
“We will be sharing the findings and conclusions with HEFT and the General Medical Council.
“We are sorry for the uncertainty that this may cause some patients.”
The General Medical Council confirmed Mr Nair was under investigation for Doctors Fitness to Practice
