Doctor Who newcomer Ruth Madeley speaks out after review found that bungling spinal surgeon who left her with chronic pain had done the same to other patients
- Star Ruth Madeley, 35, has Spina Bifida and was operated on by John Williamson
- Salford Royal Infirmary found his surgery ‘to be poor’ as it recalled 72 of his cases
Doctor Who actress Ruth Madeley has spoken out after a review revealed that a spinal surgeon who left her with chronic pain, has done the same to dozens of other patients.
The TV star, 35, was operated on by John Williamson because of her Spina Bifida – a birth defect that means there was an incomplete closing of the spine around the spinal cord during pregnancy.
The actress said she feels that since her first operation as a child, her ‘situation has got worse’ and she suffers from chronic pain because of the surgeries.
Salford Royal Infirmary launched a ‘Spinal Patient Safety Look Back’ review investigation into Williamson in 2021 following complaints from patients.
He was employed at the hospital between 1991 and January 2015, when he was sacked but the review covered his work from August 2009 to September 2014.
Doctor Who actress Ruth Madeley, 35, was operated on by John Williamson because of her Spina Bifida – a birth defect that means there was an incomplete closing of the spine around the spinal cord during pregnancy
The actress said that she feels like she her first operation as a child, her ‘situation has got worse’ and she suffers from chronic pain because of the surgeries
The review identified 72 patients whose cases should be recalled and it found that Williamson’s ‘surgical technique was judged to be poor in multiple cases.’
It also discovered that patients suffered long-term pain from the operations and suffered from a higher than expected blood loss.
The review also found out that Williamson displayed ‘unacceptable and unprofessional behaviour.’
Ruth said that she ‘had concerns about her care for years’ and said the review into Williamson was ‘bittersweet’, as ‘patients didn’t receive the care they should have.’
The actress, who starred in BBC drama Years and Years, said: ‘For years I’ve had concerns about not only my care but also how my complaints have been handled.
‘To finally see in black and white how patients didn’t always receive the care they should have but also that the trust didn’t properly investigate is bittersweet.
‘On the one hand I feel vindicated that my concerns were justified but also angry and upset at how patients were let down.
‘Since having my first spinal surgery as a child, I feel my situation has got worse, and I live with chronic pain and fatigue.
‘Sadly, I imagine my story isn’t a one-off and there’s many more people going through physical and psychological pain.’
‘This report is a welcome start but still doesn’t go far enough or cover the severity of what happened.
‘I still feel that I don’t have all the answers to my questions and no doubt others will feel the same.
‘The hospitals where Mr Williamson worked need to ensure they identify everyone he operated on and make sure any concerns they have are listened to and properly investigated.’
A review of John Williamson’s work by Salford Royal Infirmary found 72 cases to be recalled and judged that his surgical technique ‘was found to be poor’ in some cases
Actress Ruth Madeley (pictured) said it was ‘bittersweet’ that a review had finally taken place in Williamson’s surgeries, adding that ‘patients didn’t receive the care they should have’
Catherine Slattery, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Ruth, has now said ‘there should be a full recall of Mr Williamson’s patients.’
She said: ‘Once again serious concerns regarding the care patients received are in the spotlight.
‘When patients undergo surgery, they expect to receive the highest standard of care.
‘This includes being made fully aware of the pros and cons so they can make an informed decision about their care and what’s best for them.
‘Therefore, we believe there should be a full recall of all Mr Williamson’s patients.
‘It’s crucial they’re supported at this difficult time, not only to receive the answers they deserve, but where appropriate, access to the specialist support and rehabilitation they may require.
‘Transparency is key to upholding public confidence in the system.’
