A heart surgeon from a Birmingham hospital has been sacked amid allegations that he inaccurately recorded medical data.

Ian Wilson, formerly a surgeon at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, told an inquest that he had, on occasion, recorded data from memory, instead of using written surgical records.

An internal investigation at the hospital suggested that Mr Wilson may have under-reported the time patients had spent on a heart-lung bypass machine. The length of time spent on such machines has been shown to have an impact on the risk of complications, or even death, for patients undergoing heart surgery.

The investigation was triggered following the death of three patients under Mr Wilson’s care.

While Mr Wilson’s dismissal is not related to his ability as a surgeon, the General Medical Council (GMC) has placed restrictions on the surgeon pending the results of a full investigation. He is unable to work in the NHS unless supervised, or to perform in any private practice.

Linda Millband, National Practice Lead for clinical negligence based at Thompsons Solicitors’ Birmingham office, said: “It is always a stressful time when you or a loved one faces major surgery, and this is made even more traumatic when patients’ trust in the professionals treating them is betrayed.

“Patients need to have confidence that they are receiving the best possible service at all stages of their treatment, be it through accurate record keeping or in the operating theatre itself.

“We have considerable experience of working with victims of medical negligence, and understand the distress it can cause to patients and their families. Knowing where you stand legally, regardless of whether or not you decide to pursue a claim, can be hugely important mentally, and we offer support to any individual concerned about care they, or a loved one, may have received.”