How long did Michael Swinn fight to expose the risks?

Michael Swinn's whistleblowing efforts spanned 16 years, beginning in 2006 and concluding with Paul Miller's disciplinary action in 2021.

What changes are proposed for NHS manager accountability?

Proposals include creating a regulator for senior NHS managers with a professional code of conduct, similar to doctors and nurses.

Home / Health / Surgeon's 16-Year Whistleblow Fight Exposes Deadly NHS Failures

Surgeon's 16-Year Whistleblow Fight Exposes Deadly NHS Failures

Q: What happened to surgeon Paul Miller after the whistleblowing claims?

Paul Miller was finally struck off the medical register in December 2021 for dishonesty and failing to prioritize patient safety.

2 Dec

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Summary

A surgeon's 16-year fight exposed a colleague endangering cancer patients.
Trust managers allegedly blamed the whistleblower instead of acting.
The negligent surgeon was finally struck off the medical register in 2021.

Surgeon's 16-Year Whistleblow Fight Exposes Deadly NHS Failures

A consultant urological surgeon, Michael Swinn, endured a 16-year struggle after reporting a colleague whose actions endangered cancer patients. Despite raising numerous complaints and clinical investigations, Swinn alleges that senior managers at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust ignored the evidence and even attempted to blame him. The colleague, Paul Miller, was only struck off the medical register in December 2021 for dishonesty and patient safety disregard.

Swinn's ordeal mirrors historical cases where NHS whistleblowers faced ostracization and career threats. Examples include Stephen Bolsin at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Hemant Ingle regarding surgeon Ian Paterson. Despite numerous reports and policies aimed at protecting whistleblowers, many healthcare staff report experiencing victimisation or feeling compelled to resign after raising patient safety concerns.