Women treated by former NHS Gynaecologist Daniel Hay urged to come forward

Police have confirmed that the remaining criminal investigations into former gynaecologist Daniel Hay have ceased following his death earlier this year. For women affected by his care, the news may leave them feeling that an opportunity for answers and accountability has been lost.

The end of the criminal investigation doesn’t necessarily prevent those affected from pursuing a civil claim. Fletchers Solicitors is encouraging women who received gynaecological treatment from Daniel Hay at Derby, Burton or other hospitals where he practised to come forward and speak with the team about their individual circumstances. 

A report commissioned by NHS England and local health bodies found serious failings in the care provided by Mr Hay at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, including unnecessary hysterectomies, poor consent processes and systemic oversight failures. It recommended reviewing cases as far back as 2012. 

Daniel Hay was a consultant gynaecologist at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB). He worked at Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital Burton until his retirement in 2020. He gave up his medical licence in 2021. 

Concerns about Mr Hay’s clinical practice were raised as early as 2017, but formal investigations were delayed. An independent report commissioned by NHS England and local health bodies subsequently found serious concerns about the care received by a number of women.

• Women were rushed into hysterectomies without proper scans, examinations, or alternative options discussed
• Patients reported being given no choice other than major surgery
• One patient was told she could have surgery in April after just a 10-minute consultation
• Some were left infertile, in chronic pain, and suffering depression or anxiety
• One woman recalled asking why her procedure wasn’t keyhole surgery – and was told, “I like slicing”
• The report described Mr Hay’s conduct as demonstrating poor clinical judgement, inadequate record-keeping, and a lack of informed consent 

The review panel contacted 325 women treated between 2015 and 2018 and reviewed a further 58 cases from a 2019 assessment. 

Crucially, the panel recommended reviewing patient cases as far back as 2012 — raising the possibility that women treated outside the original review period could also have concerns about the care they received. 

“The decision to end the criminal investigations will understandably be deeply upsetting for women who have already waited many years for answers. Many may feel that another route to justice has now been closed to them. 

“However, the end of a criminal investigation does not mean that women affected by Daniel Hay’s care are necessarily unable to seek justice. Criminal and civil proceedings are separate, and there may still be an opportunity for those who have suffered harm to pursue a civil claim. 

“For many of the women involved, this is about more than compensation. It is about understanding what happened to them, having their experiences recognised and reaching some form of resolution after years of uncertainty. 

“We would urge anyone with concerns about treatment they received from Daniel Hay to speak to us, even if that treatment took place many years ago. We will listen to their experience, help them understand the options available and do everything we can to help them find the answers and resolution they deserve.” 

As one of the UK’s most experienced clinical negligence and serious injury law firms, Fletchers Solicitors is currently investigating Daniel Hay NHS gynaecologist claims on behalf of women affected by his care. 

If you: 

• Had gynaecological surgery or treatment under Daniel Hay
• Were not given full information about your options
• Suffered physical, emotional, or reproductive harm 

We would encourage you to speak to our specialist team. Even if your treatment took place many years ago, it may still be worth seeking legal advice about your individual circumstances and whether you are able to bring a claim. 

We can: 

• Provide a free legal assessment of your case
• Offer no win, no fee representation, where appropriate
• Advise you on the options available to you
• Access your medical records and work with independent medical experts
• Help you pursue compensation for the impact the treatment has had on your life, where there are grounds to bring a claim 

Email us on [email protected] or telephone us on 0330 013 0246 and one of our team will speak to you, confidentially and with no pressure or obligation.