You may be eligible to join the potential group action if you: Were treated by Dr Sharif Ismail at University Hospitals Sussex Received surgery relating to hysterectomy, prolapse, rectal prolapse, bladder, or endometriosis Feel you were not properly informed of the risks or alternatives Experienced complications such as: Bladder dysfunction Need for self-catheterisation Ongoing pelvic pain Sexual dysfunction Psychological harm Had multiple procedures performed in a single operation Believe your concerns were minimised or dismissed If you’re unsure, we’re here to help you work it out.

Mr Sharif Ismail negligence claims

If you were treated by Mr Sharif Ismail at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and have questions about the care you received, you may be entitled to bring a legal claim. Our specialist group actions team is here to listen and guide you through your options.

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Author

Francesca Paul

Partner, Group Action Lead

Reviewer

Christian Beadell

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Last Updated

17th July 2026

Can I make a claim against Mr Sharif Ismail?

You may be able to join the group action if you were given gynaecology treatment under Mr Sharif Ismail at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Mr Ismail was dismissed in March 2022 following a formal investigation and capability hearing, on grounds of gross misconduct and serious poor capability – including unsafe surgical practice, poor communication, and failure to follow clinical instructions. His appeal was unsuccessful.

Mr Sharif Ibrahim Muhammad Farag Ismail was formerly a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with a special interest in Urogynaecology. You may be able to make a claim if you were treated by Mr Ismail and experienced one or more of the following: a hysterectomy or other gynaecological surgery that you feel was unnecessary or not properly explained to you; prolapse or rectal prolapse surgery where you had no relevant symptoms multiple procedures carried out in a single operation without your full and informed consent, bladder injury or long-term urinary complications, including the need for self-catheterisation, sling removal or revision, or further urogynaecology treatment – or any other distressing, dismissive, or inappropriate clinical communication or behaviour.

You may also have a claim if you were not told about conservative alternatives before undergoing surgery – such as pelvic physiotherapy, hormonal therapy, staged procedures, or a multidisciplinary review. All patients are entitled to clear and honest information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and risks. If those standards were not met in your care, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Example of a potential claim

Imagine that a woman in her thirties is advised by Mr Ismail to undergo a hysterectomy, but is not told about less invasive alternatives, and is not given adequate information about the implications for her fertility. She later discovers that conservative treatment options existed and were not offered or discussed. If the consent process was inadequate and the surgery was not clinically justified, this could form the basis of a valid medical negligence claim.

Related claims alongside this group action

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What compensation can help with

Recognising what happened and helping you move forward.

For women affected by unnecessary or poorly consented surgery, the impact can be wide-ranging. Compensation can help fund the additional treatment and support you may need to manage ongoing physical symptoms, as well as addressing the psychological and emotional harm caused by what you experienced.

Compensation can give you the financial support you need to access care, treatment, and practical support – both now and in the future.

A successful claim against Mr Sharif Ismail may help fund:

Further surgical treatment or revision procedures
Ongoing urogynaecology care and bladder management
Pelvic physiotherapy and specialist rehabilitation
Psychological support and counselling
Fertility-related treatment or advice where applicable
Loss of earnings if your condition has affected your ability to work
Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Out-of-pocket expenses related to your treatment and recovery

Understanding the potential value

The value of a medical negligence claim depends on the nature and severity of the harm caused, its long-term impact on your health and quality of life, and any financial losses you have suffered. Claims involving unnecessary surgery, serious surgical complications, or long-term physical and psychological harm can carry significant value. Where fertility has been affected – particularly in younger women who were not properly counselled before a hysterectomy – compensation may also reflect the profound personal loss involved. Every case is different, and we will work with you to understand what a fair outcome looks like for your individual circumstances.

Understanding special and general damages

When valuing your claim against Mr Sharif Ismail, we will consider two types of damages; general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life. Special damages cover the specific financial losses you can evidence, from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist group actions solicitors

Our team specialise in complex gynaecology and group action negligence claims

Why choose Fletchers for your claim?

At Fletchers, our group actions solicitors have specialist experience in exactly these kinds of cases - bringing together legal expertise, independent clinical insight, and genuine care to support every woman who comes to us. Claims involving gynaecological and urogynaecological negligence are among the most sensitive and complex in medical law. The team around you matters enormously.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist group actions and medical negligence solicitors with experience in gynaecology and urogynaecology cases
Currently investigating multiple cases involving Mr Sharif Ismail and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Expert in complex consent, surgical negligence, and inappropriate treatment claims
Access to leading independent experts in obstetrics, gynaecology, and urogynaecology
Free, confidential initial consultation with no obligation
Support with obtaining medical records, building your timeline, and formal complaints if needed
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we have supported
No win, no fee funding available, so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand this is a challenging and personal experience

The experiences shared with us so far have been deeply upsetting. Women have described feeling dismissed when they raised concerns, not being given time to consider major decisions, and not being told about less invasive options that existed. Some have lived with long-term physical complications – including bladder problems, ongoing pelvic pain, sexual difficulties, and psychological harm – that have had a lasting impact on their quality of life.

Coming forward with concerns about intimate healthcare takes real courage. Many women find it hard to know whether what they experienced was wrong, or to trust that they will be believed. You may have spent years wondering whether the surgery you had was truly necessary, or trying to manage complications that have affected your everyday life, your relationships, and your sense of self.

We also know that for some women – particularly those who underwent hysterectomy at a young age without being fully counselled about the implications for their fertility – the impact goes far beyond the physical. The sense of loss can be profound, and it deserves to be acknowledged.

We are here to listen, without judgement. You will be heard with respect, empathy, and belief. Our specialist team will explain your options clearly, handle the legal process on your behalf, and keep you informed at every stage – so you can focus on what matters most to you.

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FAQs about claims involving Mr Sharif Ismail

Was there a recall or official investigation into Mr Ismail?

There has not yet been a public recall, but internal Trust reviews and disciplinary proceedings have taken place. Mr Ismail was dismissed from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in March 2022 following a formal investigation and capability hearing. The grounds for dismissal included unsafe surgical practice, poor communication, and failure to follow clinical instructions. His appeal against dismissal was unsuccessful. We continue to monitor for further developments and will update this page as the investigation progresses.

Does the Tribunal decision mean concerns go beyond individual cases?

The Tribunal findings show:

Multiple concerns raised over several years

Issues affecting both patient care and theatre team safety

Patterns of behaviour rather than isolated events

This supports patients who feel something was “not right” with their care.

What if I was treated several years ago?

You may still be able to bring a claim. The standard time limit for medical negligence claims is three years, but this period does not necessarily run from the date of your treatment. It can run from the date you first became aware – or could reasonably have become aware – that something may have gone wrong. Given the circumstances of this investigation, time limits may be extended. We will assess your individual situation and give you honest advice about where you stand.

Do I need my medical records before I contact you?

No. You do not need to have your medical records before speaking to us. We can request them on your behalf as part of the initial stages of your claim.

Can I join the group action if I have already complained to the Trust?

Yes. Making a formal complaint to the Trust does not prevent you from bringing a legal claim, and in many cases the information gathered through a complaint can help strengthen the wider investigation.

Will my story be kept confidential?

Yes, always. Everything you share with us is treated in strict confidence. You choose if and when anything is shared beyond our team, and we will never do anything without your knowledge and agreement.

What is the group action process?

A group action – sometimes called a multi-party claim or group litigation – brings together a number of people who have suffered similar harm, often at the hands of the same individual or institution. Each person in the group retains their own legal claim, but cases are coordinated together, which can be more efficient and can strengthen the overall evidence base. Our team will explain exactly what joining the group action means for you and keep you informed throughout the process.

Is there a cost to bringing a claim?

No win, no fee funding is available for this investigation. This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be charged for our legal fees. We will explain the funding arrangement clearly before you proceed, so you know exactly where you stand.

Am I affected?

You may be eligible to join the potential group action if you:

Were treated by Dr Sharif Ismail at University Hospitals Sussex
Received surgery relating to hysterectomy, prolapse, rectal prolapse, bladder, or endometriosis
Feel you were not properly informed of the risks or alternatives

Experienced complications such as: