Pensioner’s failed hip replacement: “We could and should have identified his problems”, says Trust

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

The Pennine Acute Trust has admitted it “could and should” have identified the problems of 73-year-old Geoffrey Flynn who suffered for years after a failed metal hip replacement at Rochdale Infirmary.

Mr Flynn struggled to walk and carry out day-to-day jobs around the house as a result of the mistakes made during his operation in 2008.

The elderly man asked his surgeon for help after finding himself in pain months after surgery, but was told repeatedly that everything was fine.

Mr Flynn, who has since received compensation for his ordeal, finally underwent surgery again in 2012 and has now made a good recovery.

A spokesperson for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust admitted that more should have been done for Mr Flynn: “We could and should have identified Mr Flynn’s problems earlier following his operation in 2008 and then his review in 2010, and arranged for his metal-on-metal hip to be replaced before we did so in 2012. We would like to apologise to Mr Flynn for the discomfort he has suffered and we are pleased he has made a good recovery.

“Metal-on-metal hip replacements are no longer undertaken at this Trust and the patients who have had one carried out in the past are routinely followed up by our consultants on a regular basis with frequent blood tests, x-rays and MR scans.

“In 2011 we reviewed 79 patients who all had these type of hip replacements. All the patients who received hip replacements were contacted directly and were recalled for review in line with the supplier and General Medical Council guidance like other hospitals.

“Like other Trusts across the country a small number of our patients over the last few years have requested their metal-on-metal hip be replaced following publicity around this issue nationally and internationally.”