Source · Investigations in the NHS

An Independent Investigation into the adequacy of previous hospital-level investigations into Consultant Surgeon A: Published May 2026

North West Published 01 May 2026

Index summary

Final report This is the final report of the Independent Investigation into the adequacy of previous hospital-level investigations into the clinical practice and leadership of Consultant Surgeon A, to determine whether further action is required. This report, independently chaired by Dr Yvette Oade, was commissioned by NHS England following ongoing concerns from patients, families, MPs and ministers. This review is also published by:

Recommendations

10 total
1 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 1

Recommendation · source text
NHS England should commission a Phase 2 review to assess the current levels of safety oversight within each department where Consultant Surgeon A practiced, with a view to surfacing any key risks. This review should also assess the feasibility of a fuller investigation into the organisational handling of concerns about Consultant Surgeon A.
2 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 2

Recommendation · source text
The terms of reference for the Phase 2 review should be as set out in Appendix 5 of this report.
3 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 3

Recommendation · source text
The Phase 2 review should be independently chaired and supported by an independent Programme Management Office.
4 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 4

Recommendation · source text
Immediate patient safety concerns identified during the Phase 2 review should be escalated to the SRO and Regional Independent Investigations Team (RIIT).
5 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 5

Recommendation · source text
Regular meetings should be held between the RIIT and the Phase 2 review team, and monthly updates should be provided.
6 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 6

Recommendation · source text
Data Processing Agreements should be put in place for any and all information sharing during the Phase 2 review.
7 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 7

Recommendation · source text
A report (in both draft and final versions, following factual inaccuracy and legal review) which answers the review scope and objectives as set out in the terms of reference should be produced.
8 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 8

Recommendation · source text
For Part 1 of the Phase 2 review, the report should make recommendations for inclusion in each service’s combined action plan.
9 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 9

Recommendation · source text
For Part 2 of the Phase 2 review, a recommendation should be made about the feasibility of a third phase Governance Investigation. If this is recommended, draft terms of reference must be provided in the report.
10 Addressed to: NHS England No Response Published

Link to recommendation 10

Recommendation · source text
A draft report for the Phase 2 review should be issued within six months of this work commencing.

Acceptance status

Per recommendation
No Response Published
10

Total recommendations
10
About this data

Acceptance status records the published response to each recommendation. Acceptance does not establish that an action has been completed.

Independent health investigation reports and reviews commissioned by government or NHS England.

About this investigation

Source & metadata

Independent investigation report. Recommendations and any published response are extracted below.