A Deeply Troubling Case of Medical Negligence
Women who claim they were "traumatised" by a former NHS gynaecologist have expressed their frustration over the lack of closure following a report that revealed major failings in his care. Daniel Hay, who operated on hundreds of women at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust before retiring in 2020, has come under scrutiny for his practices. A long-awaited report, which explored his care between 2015 and 2018, was commissioned after concerns from his colleagues. The findings indicated that Mr. Hay's risky practices and shortcuts led to severe physical harm for some patients.
In response, UHDB issued an apology to the women who received care "below the standards expected." The report, which involved contacting 325 women treated by Mr. Hay, identified several who suffered moderate to severe physical harm. Some patients reported feeling like undergoing major treatment was their "only option," including those who had hysterectomies—surgical procedures that remove the womb.
Many women said Mr. Hay's treatment "adversely affected" their mental health, impacting their relationships and jobs. One such woman, Hannah Green, 35, shared her experience with My Healthy of Life. She was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being under Mr. Hay’s care. Ms. Green described feeling emotionally numb, with only anger remaining. She was referred to Mr. Hay in 2016 for symptoms of endometriosis, which was not diagnosed at the time.
During a 20-minute appointment, Mr. Hay did not make eye contact with her, did not conduct a physical assessment, and spoke into a Dictaphone rather than directly to her. Following procedures, she was sent home with "no answers" as Mr. Hay had already left for the day. She later learned that during a second laparoscopy, a tissue sample was taken from her cervix without her consent.
Ms. Green made a complaint to the trust at the time but was told her case concluded "no harm" was caused. She disputes this and was not diagnosed with endometriosis until 2020. She still hasn't been referred to a specialist or received any treatment.
A Traumatic Experience Leading to Long-Term Consequences
Melissa Newbold, from Derby, shared her traumatic experience after undergoing a full hysterectomy under Mr. Hay’s advice. She struggled with painful periods and heavy bleeding before the procedure. During an attempt to fit a contraceptive coil in 2013, Mr. Hay became agitated and continued the procedure despite her agony and a nurse advising him to stop.
Following the failed procedure, she was advised to have womb ablation, which was successful, but she continued to experience pain. Mr. Hay then recommended a full hysterectomy, warning her of a high risk of cancer and promising she would "feel fantastic" afterward. Mrs. Newbold, who had no plans for more children, underwent the surgery.
Afterward, she was not offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT), leading to severe menopause symptoms. A doctor later told her she could have had the coil fitted under general anaesthetic, which she would have agreed to if she had known. Mrs. Newbold described Mr. Hay as having a "god complex" and expressed anger at both him and the trust for failing to protect patients.
Calls for Systemic Change and Accountability
Karen Reynolds, a partner at Freeths, a law firm supporting a group claim against the trust, expressed disappointment that it took three years for the report to be sent to patients. She pointed out that there were opportunities to address Mr. Hay's issues earlier, with management allegedly ignoring warnings.
Dr. Gis Robinson, executive chief medical officer at the NHS trust, apologized unreservedly to the women who received substandard care. He acknowledged the need for clearer consent procedures and enhanced clinical oversight to identify issues quickly and improve post-procedure reviews.
The trust has invited anyone needing reassurance to contact its Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). As the investigation continues, the women affected remain hopeful for meaningful change and accountability.