A disgraced colorectal surgeon whose failed mesh procedures harmed more than 450 patients has now cost the NHS close to £20million in compensation payments.
Anthony Dixon, 65, was removed from the medical register last year following two separate tribunal hearings that determined he had engaged in professional misconduct.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service concluded that the 41-year veteran had "demonstrated a persistent lack of insight into the seriousness of his actions."
Dixon performed procedures at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, operated by North Bristol NHS Trust, as well as private facilities run by Spire and Circle.
He was found to have implanted surgical mesh without obtaining proper informed consent, neglected to discuss alternative treatments, and falsified patient documentation.
One of Dixon's patients, Lucinda Methuen-Campbell, ended her own life as "there didn't seem to be a way out of the pain" following treatment by the surgeon.
Mrs Methuen-Campbell, who died at 58, visited Dixon at a private hospital in 2016 seeking help for a bowel condition.
The surgeon allegedly informed her that he had removed her ovaries during the operation "because they were in the way" and implanted a vaginal mesh leaving her in constant pain.
Anthony Dixon was removed from the medical register last year following two separate tribunal hearings that determined he had engaged in professional misconduct
|NHS
Assistant coroner Aled Gruffydd recorded a suicide conclusion following an inquest in 2018.
Civil claims against Dixon have been mounting since 2017, with hundreds of patients pursuing legal action through the High Court.
NHS Resolution has disclosed payments totalling £19.12million to 245 claimants to date.
Internal investigations identified 203 instances of harm at Southmead Hospital and 259 cases at Bristol's Spire facility, with a smaller number involving Circle Health patients.
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Dixon performed procedures at Southmead Hospital in Bristol
|Law firms Thompsons and Irwin Mitchell have each acted for more than 100 victims, with settlements ranging from £20,000 to sums exceeding £1million.
Linda Millband, head of group claims at Thompsons, described it as "one of the largest group claims of people who were damaged by a single surgeon except for Paterson."
A couple in their sixties filed the most recent claim at the end of March.
North Bristol NHS Trust confirmed Dixon was dismissed in 2019 and stated it had conducted a comprehensive review of affected patients.
Internal investigations identified 203 instances of harm at Southmead Hospital and 259 cases at Bristol's Spire facility (pictured)
|A spokesman said: "Once again we would like to reiterate our apology to all of these individuals."
Spire Healthcare declined to comment while legal proceedings continue.
Dixon, who resides with his wife in the village of Olveston near Bristol, issued a statement defending his career.
He said: "I have devoted my working life to the practise of surgery, much of it involving cancer operations which have never been criticised, and I have always endeavoured to provide the highest standard of care to my patients."
He added: "I apologise to those I may have let down."
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
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