Summary
An investigation revealed that heart surgeon Karen Booth made several errors that contributed to the deaths of seven patients. Concerns about her work at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle were first noted in 2018, but no investigation started until 2021. The hospital is allowing her to mentor other surgeons and potentially resume her surgical duties soon, despite ongoing investigations.
Key Facts
- Seven people died following operations performed by heart surgeon Karen Booth.
- An NHS investigation found that Karen Booth performed operations without the necessary skills and experience.
- Concerns about her performance were first raised in 2018, but the hospital investigated only in 2021.
- Karen Booth currently mentors other surgeons and may soon return to operating.
- The Newcastle hospital did not answer questions about her return to surgery.
- Reports and emails show long-standing concerns about her surgical practices.
- A heart patient, Ian Philip, died during a surgery that involved complications not adequately managed.
- The General Medical Council is investigating Karen Booth, but there are no current practice restrictions.
