Westlife singer Mark Feehily files medical negligence claim against weight loss surgeon

Westlife singer Mark Feehily had suffered health complications since his weight loss surgery in August 2020. Feehily underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a surgery designed to assist in weight loss by removing 75% to 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped tube. This in turn lowers the hormone that makes you feel hungry, and a smaller stomach holds much less food meaning the patient will feel full much faster.

Since Feehily’s surgery, he has developed recurring sepsis due to alleged inadequate surgery. Feehily reported that the surgeon failed to remove enough of his stomach during the procedure, meaning the tissue that had been left behind caused a leak into his abdomen. This led to severe recurring abdominal infections, sepsis and hospital admission. The damage caused by the procedure meant Feehily had to undergo a gastrectomy, an operation to have his entire stomach removed to avoid further infections.

Whilst the surgeon accepted that some tissue was left behind, he claims that this was an appropriate measure and leakage, albeit very rare, was a recognised complication of the surgery and not a result of a negligent procedure. The case remains ongoing through the Court process, with a preliminary trial listed for 28 May.

In order to prove medical negligence, it is necessary not only to prove that the treatment fell below the standard of a reasonable practitioner but also, that the substandard treatment led to injury or damage, rather that any issues which occurred being a general side effect or natural potential consequence of the surgery in any event.

Should you feel you have been affected by negligent medical treatment, you can contact our specialist team for advice on 033 03001103 or request a call back.