Cancer patients from East Surrey hospital have been contacted over fears that they may have been mistreated by a former consultant at the hospital.

Consultant urologist, Paul Miller, was suspended by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in December last year and later dismissed from his position at East Surrey Hospital after an investigation by the Royal College of Surgeons found 27 people came to “serious significant harm” because of the treatment they received while under his care. The Trust believes that 1,200 prostate and bladder cancer patients, dating back to 2006, may have been mistreated by Mr Miller.

Chief executive of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Michael Wilson, would not give details on the errors made by Mr Miller, but confirmed he had not “followed the advice of multi-disciplinary teams carrying out established and recognised cancer treatments.”

Mr Miller also worked at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital in Horley and its director, John Crisp, said they had also suspended Mr Miller in December 2013 and were reviewing their own patient medical records as quickly as possible.

Joint head of the medical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors, Linda Millband, commented: “Patient safety must always be the absolute priority for medical professionals, and it is vital that patients trust, and are confident in, the medical treatment that they receive. While we are yet to know the scale and specific details in this case, it is clear that trust and patient safety have been breached in some way.

“Through our extensive work with victims of clinical negligence, we understand the physical and psychological trauma that can affect a patient and their family if they are subjected to poor standards of care.

“Regardless of whether or not you pursue a claim, knowing where you stand legally can be a hugely important step in the process, and we’re here to support local people who think they may have been affected by Paul Miller’s medical practices.”

Thompsons Solicitors is holding a free open day at Congress House in London on Monday 10 November for anyone who is concerned about the treatment they have received from Paul Miller.

If you are unable to attend the open day but would like any advice, please call Thompsons Solicitors free dedicated helpline on 0808 252 2785.

East Surrey Hospital has also set up a helpline and concerned patients can call 0808 168 7754 between 11am and 7pm on a Monday to Friday.