Nine patients are suing the NHS following operations at two private Leeds hospitals.
The five women and four men were referred to Spire Leeds Hospital and Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital (eight operations at the former, one at the latter) under the NHS Choose and Book system. The system is designed to reduce waiting lists by paying for operations at private hospitals.
The nine received operations by surgeon Mike Walsh, who was suspended by Spire Healthcare after patients and colleagues raised concerns about his work, between 2013 and 2018.
Patients, of the now-retired shoulder surgeon, complained of no improvement or worse symptoms following procedures by Walsh.
One Leeds mum-of-two suffered 'unbearable' pain and had to quit her job following surgery by Walsh to remove calcium from her left shoulder.
The woman, in her 40s, has needed pain relief, physio and addition surgery after it was discovered part of her shoulder had been torn.
She said: "When I went to Spire Hospital I was hopeful that my condition would improve. However, the last few years have been a real struggle. The pain has been unbearable and has had a real impact on my life.
“I used to be outgoing and active but this has all changed now. Even basic things that people take for granted such as getting dressed or making a sandwich can be difficult because of the pain in my shoulder.
"It’s been that bad that I had to give up my job which I was so passionate about and absolutely loved.
"I have a number of concerns about the care I have received. What makes it more worrying is that I’m not alone and there are other people who find themselves in the same situation.
“While nothing can make up for what I have been through, I feel that I at least deserve answers to the many questions I have.”
Irwin Mitchell is representing the woman and other patients who are suing after undergoing surgery by Walsh.
Medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, Samuel Hill, is calling for a review into the private hospital system.
He said: "Once again serious fears regarding the care patients are receiving in private hospitals are in the spotlight.
"When patients elect for private care they expect to receive the same level of care as they would on the NHS.
“We now call for a major review of the private hospital system to ensure that patients’ needs and safety are always the top priority. It is vital that people are made aware of the advantages and disadvantages of going private so they can make an informed decision about their care."
Mr Walsh, who is a specialist in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, is no longer working with Spire Healthcare, the company said.
Findings from an investigation into Mr Walsh have been shared with the Care Quality Commission and the General Medical Council (GMC), Spire said.
Mr Walsh is currently registered with the GMC but is not licensed to practice in the UK, GMC said.
