Bristol doctor Tony Dixon falsified mesh notes, medical hearing finds
A spokesperson for Mr Dixon added: "Mr Dixon has disputed the allegations throughout the tribunal hearing and is disappointed by the factual determination."Mr Dixon has always endeavoured to provide the highest standard of care to his patients."
Mrs Smith, 71, has received a settlement from Mr Dixon after paying privately to have a fisher operation but she claims she ended up having three meshes implanted without her consent which left her in severe pain and suffering from breakdowns. She told the BBC that her own experience meant she was not surprised the tribunal had found dishonesty, adding: "It's just he is saying one thing and writing something else and you just feel a bit strange about it all, that it's corrupt and lying."It makes people feel, me as well, disappointed, disillusioned."Two investigations at Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol have previously found Mr Dixon caused harm to hundreds of people by carrying out operations that were not necessary.Spire has since said private hospitals now can access patient notes without having to rely on copies from consultants.
The tribunal had examined claims medical records for seven patients contained false information and were not created at the correct time.It found that as part of a Spire review, Mr Dixon disclosed medical records for several patients that were created after his involvement in their care. It found his actions would have given the false impression that the Spire records were contemporaneous.It also found patient records disclosed to the solicitors of four patients who were suing him contained false information.Mr Dixon was also found to have failed to adequately explain the complications of a re-look laparotomy in 2017.A final decision over what sanctions will be taken against Mr Dixon is expected this summer.
Dr Dixon had previously built up an international reputation as the go-to expert for patients with prolapsed bowels.He used a technique known as mesh rectopexy to treat bowel problems.Through the procedure, mesh implants are placed into the body to treat pelvic organ prolapse which can occur after childbirth.The mesh, which is usually made from synthetic polypropylene, is intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue.At the point of his suspension in 2024, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) said Dr Dixon's "misconduct was so serious that action needed be taken to protect members of the public".But, the tribunal considered that a longer period of suspension would be unduly punitive, especially taking into account the period that Dr Dixon had already been the subject of fitness to practise proceedings.Both Southmead Hospital and Spire Bristol apologised to victims after his suspension.
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