(Alliance News) - Spire Healthcare Group PLC said Monday it does not expect to have a material financial exposure after recalling patients over fears of unnecessary procedures carried out by an orthopaedic consultant.
Spire Healthcare issued the response on Monday following several media reports late Friday saying over 200 of Habib Rahman's patients have been recalled following an investigation by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Rahman is an orthopaedic consultant who had practising privileges at Spire Parkway Hospital, and who currently practices within the NHS at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, where he is employed, Spire explained.
His practice has been operating under restrictions since September 2018, however, and Spire fully suspended him in January of 2019.
"Spire Healthcare routinely audits patients' clinical outcomes and has a proactive approach to engaging with other healthcare providers to improve standards. Following an investigation into potential concerns with certain shoulder treatments carried out by Mr Rahman, Spire restricted Mr Rahman from practising," the company said.
Spire said it asked the Royal College of Surgeons to review Rahman's practice, which has led to the patient recalls.
"Spire liaised closely with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the Care Quality Commission and the General Medical Council to inform them of the review findings and Spire's plans to inform relevant patients," it said.
On the guidance of the Royal College of Surgeons, Spire wrote to Rahman's patients letting them know they need a follow-up, and will be seen by an independent surgeon to review both their care and post-operative recovery.
"That process is still on-going. Any claims arising as a result of this process should be met by Mr Rahman and his insurance. We do not expect the company to have a material financial exposure to such claims," Spire added.
The company said it will defend any claims made against it but stressed they would be covered by its existing indemnity arrangements.
Shares in Spire Healthcare were 0.4% lower in London on Monday morning at 133.50 pence each.
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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Spire Healthcare (SPI)