A long-awaited report has revealed that substandard care by a former NHS gynaecologist, Daniel Hay, caused severe physical and psychological harm to women under his treatment at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust.
The review looked at his work between 2015 and 2018 and uncovered a pattern of risky practices, poor communication, and systemic failures that allowed harm to persist until his retirement in 2020.
Key Findings: A Pattern of Negligence
The report, commissioned after colleagues raised concerns, identified 48 cases of “major concern” out of 325 women treated by Hay. Two patients suffered “severe physical harm” including life-altering complications from unnecessary hysterectomies. The panel highlighted that only “good fortune” prevented further damage.
Key issues included:
- Rushed decisions: Women were pressured into hysterectomies without proper scans, alternatives, or informed consent. Some consultations with Hay lasted just 10 minutes.
- Dismissive care: Patients reported feeling unheard, with one describing Hay as “erratic” and another shocked by his remark, “I like slicing,” when questioned about surgical methods.
- Systemic failures: Colleagues flagged concerns as early as 2017–18, but UHDB leaders did not interview staff until five years later in 2022.
Patient Testimonies: Lives Changed Forever
Anonymous accounts from Hay’s patients paint a harrowing picture:
- One woman was left with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression after a rushed hysterectomy.
- Another questioned whether a major operation was her only option after she was denied scans or other alternatives by Hay.
- One patient has vowed never to return to an NHS hospital because of the extent of the trauma she experienced because of Hay.
Many women, particularly those hoping to start families, faced ruined relationships and careers after they were treated by Hay. The report noted the profound mental health toll of feeling “railroaded” into irreversible procedures.
UHDB’s Response: Sorrow and Reforms
UHDB’s executive chief medical officer, Dr. Gis Robinson, issued an “unreserved apology” and acknowledged that UHDB had provided care “far below expected standards.” The Trust has introduced the following measures as the result of the report:
- Stricter consent protocols.
- Enhanced clinical oversight to flag poor performance.
- Improved post-surgery reviews for women.
A second report will be undertaken and will review Hay’s earlier cases (pre-2015) and address governance gaps. Phase 2 of the review will begin in the autumn and UHDB will contact more patients.
Ongoing Scrutiny
Derbyshire Police are also investigating Hay, who retired due to ill health in 2020. In an apology written in 2021, he cited mental health struggles. There has been no comment from Hay’s representative, the Medical Defence Union.
Broader Implications
This case has worrying similarities to that of Ian Paterson, the surgeon who was jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of intentionally wounding patients and who was found to have carried out unnecessary and unapproved procedures on more than 1,000 breast cancer patients. Inquests are currently being undertaken to investigate the deaths of many of the patients who were under Paterson’s care and there have been comments from his former colleagues that they were reluctant to report his behaviour due to his forceful nature.
This latest investigation into Daniel Hay leads to questions about the quality of NHS oversight. As the investigation unfolds, we will no doubt hear that Hay’s colleagues had concerns about his conduct. Time will tell if the NHS will learn from this investigation and make real, actionable changes that will help to restore trust.
Quote from author. MDS Associate Solicitor, Kirsty Dakin, who represents clients in Derby and the East Midlands said “It is reassuring that the Trust are acknowledging the harm caused by Daniel Hay and I hope that the Trust and wider NHS will learn from the report to ensure that this does not happen again. However, we must not forget the women who have suffered severe physical and psychological harm at the hands of Mr Hay and deserve answers into what happened to them.”
