The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has confirmed that there were number of failings in the care provided to patients by the Bristol-based surgeon Anthony Dixon. 

According to BBC reports, this included failing to obtain informed consent from patients undergoing mesh surgery, failing to adequately investigate symptoms, and failing to trial alternative treatment methods. 

The confirmation follows a tribunal held from 11 September to 24 November last year, which investigated claims that Dixon failed to provide adequate clinical care to six patients at Southmead Hospital and the private Spire Hospital in Bristol between 2010 and 2016. 

These cases are part of a broader investigation by North Bristol NHS Trust, which conducted a review of patients who underwent mesh surgery by Dixon, revealing that 203 patients suffered harm due to unnecessary procedures.  

Dixon was also accused of rushing into recommending invasive mesh implant surgeries without adequately informing patients of the potential risks and without offering alternative treatments.  

The procedures, often used to repair pelvic damage often caused by childbirth, left many patients in excruciating pain and suffering additional medical complications. 

The tribunal's findings also follow an investigation and referral by the General Medical Council (GMC). Dixon was suspended in 2017 after initial concerns were raised and was sacked by North Bristol NHS Trust two years later.  

It is expected that a further hearing will now take place to determine whether he will face further sanctions.  

Commenting on the outcome, Linda Millband, national head of clinical negligence group actions at Thompsons Solicitors which has represented over 100 woman who have suffered harm as a result of Dixon’s actions, emphasised the need for systemic change to prevent similar cases in the future.  

Linda from Thompsons added: "We welcome the tribunal’s findings which recognises the avoidable pain and suffering caused by Dixon’s actions. While nothing can ever make up for what our clients have endured, the outcome provides them with the sense that at least some justice has been done. 

"We now await a further hearing with regards whether he will face further sanctions. However, that cannot simply be the end of the matter.  

“What we need now is for the issues identified as part of this investigation to form part of a wider review into surgeons harming women. Too often, we hear the term ‘rogue surgeon’ assigned to such cases, but that is not the case.  

“It feels as though every week, another healthcare professional who has played fast and loose with the physical and mental health and wellbeing of patients hits the headlines, and urgent action is needed to ensure that this is seen as a systemic issue and not just a one-off." 

Jennifer Hill, 74, from Herefordshire, instructed Thompsons Solicitors for legal support after undergoing pelvic mesh surgery performed by Dixon in 2012. Speaking to the press last year, she said that she has been left with nerve damage that could leave her wheelchair-bound, as well as ongoing bowel issues, difficulties with sleeping and eating, and severe pain. 

Jacqui Shaw, another patient who also instructed Thompsons following her mesh surgery in 2008, says she also continues to suffer from nerve damage and pain despite undergoing mesh removal surgery in the USA 

She now co-runs the Mesh Rectopexy Support and Action Group UK, a Facebook support group run by rectopexy mesh-injured women. 

The group shares knowledge and experiences while campaigning for inclusion in the new UK mesh centres. It aims to provide support and information to help with life’s challenges. 

Thompsons Solicitors represent more than 400 people across the UK who are living with serious health complications due to mesh surgery performed by Dixon and other surgeons, including more than 250 vaginal mesh and almost 150 rectal mesh claims.