Somerset Man Still Awaiting Answers Four Years After Severe Infection Following Cardiac Surgery

A Somerset man who was left wheelchair-dependent after contracting a rare and severe infection following cardiac surgery at the Bristol Heart Institute in June 2020 says he is still waiting for answers about what went wrong—more than four years after his operation.

Stewart Reginald Binning, 81, from Wells, underwent aortic valve surgery at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

Although his initial recovery appeared positive, his health rapidly declined just six weeks later, resulting in a hospital readmission where he was diagnosed with Staphylococcus warneri—a rare infection linked to the valve used during his surgery. The valve was later recalled.

Despite treatment, Mr Binning’s condition continued to deteriorate, leading to further surgery to replace the valve.

In June 2023 – three years after his diagnosis – Mr Binning was contacted by the Trust to inform him that his care was part of a thematic review. This type of investigation is conducted to identify safety concerns and prevent similar issues in the future.

At the start of summer 2024, Mr Binning received further correspondence from the Trust about their findings. At this stage he was informed that he was one of 11 patients who had tested positive for S. warneri following cardiac surgery performed by the same surgeon, that further investigations into the surgeon’s actions were underway, and that an additional 145 patients had since been contacted about concerns related to their care.

However, while several months have now passed Mr Binning says he is still awaiting the findings of that investigation, and is ‘increasingly stressed, frustrated and upset’ by the Trust’s failure to update on its progress, and the steps being taken by to prevent similar incidents.

He says he has been left ‘in the dark’ about what went wrong during his surgery and whether the outcome could have been different. He also says that the delays have impacted his recovery from a stroke he had in October.

Now reliant on 24-hour care, he says the lack of answers is placing immense emotional and physical stress on him and his family.

He said: “I’ve gone from being active and sociable to only being able to leave the house once a week in a wheelchair. My wife and our daughters have been my lifeline, but this has devastated us all. I just want answers about went wrong, and more importantly whether it could have been prevented.”

The investigation follows an outbreak of Staphylococcus warneri infections in 2020, which was thought to have only affected three cardiac patients. Initially, it was suggested that equipment used during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been responsible.

However, initial findings of the thematic review have suggested a more significant issue affecting a wider group of up to 145 patients with a recommendation that the scope of the surgeon in question’s practices be reviewed. Despite these findings, patients like Mr Binning remain in the dark about what measures, if any, have been taken to address the issue.

Christian Beadell, head of medical negligence group claims at Fletchers Solicitors, which is representing several clients impacted by this investigation, commented: “The lack of resolution  in this investigation is deeply concerning, and it is having an inevitable toll on all of our clients.

“Whilst we are grateful that the thematic review has been released , there is no clarity over the steps taken to prevent these issues arising further, or to respond to the specific concerns raised in Mr Binning’s case. 

“The Trust has a duty under the Duty of Candour to communicate openly with Mr Binning and others affected. These delays not only harm those already impacted but raise serious concerns about the safety of current patients.

“The Trust must provide reassurances that they have learned from these events and taken action to prevent further harm. Patient safety and transparency must be the priority.”

Mr Binning added: “I don’t think that the trust has really taken on board the full extent of how my life has changed following this infection. I truly believe that if I hadn’t developed the infection, I wouldn’t have had the stroke. It feels to me that my illness, and the stress it put me under, has had really serious consequences.”

Commenting on the impact of the stroke, Mr Binning said it affects him every day, in every way. He added: “I can’t work, I can’t walk. It’s affected my balance and left me feeling completely housebound.

“I think it’s time for the trust to get into gear and do something about it. Not just for me, but for everyone who is potentially affected by what happened. We deserve answers!”