The ‘never events’ were among more than 170 recorded at hospitals around the country
The Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital(Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)
Two patients received incorrect implants or prosthesis while another underwent ‘wrong site’ surgery at a northern Lincolnshire health trust. The incidents were among five medical errors recorded by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust between April and August 2025.
The errors are officially classified as “never events” by NHS England – which defines them as wholly preventable if proper safety procedures are followed. Never events include wrong site surgery, retained surgical items, and incorrect implants – and they are defined as serious, preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur.
NHS Humber Health Partnership, which oversees Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust – which covers hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole – said it investigates all incidents so it can learn from mistakes.
A spokesperson said: “We thoroughly investigate all patient safety incidents using the national framework and look to learn from any mistakes made. We always contact the patients, explaining the circumstances and apologising for any harm or distress caused, and make sure they’re aware of the investigation from the outset.”
The five regional events are among 178 Never Events recorded across the country by NHS England, with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust topping the list with eight, followed by the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Further information on the regional medical errors was obtained by legal firm Blackwater Law under the Freedom of Information Act.
While the Trust has not disclosed the specific circumstances behind each case, the nature of the events raises serious concerns, the law firm said. In one case, a patient was found to have a retained foreign object inside their body following a surgical procedure. This could have included a swab, instrument, or needle, all of which could lead to infection, internal damage, and further surgery.
Another patient underwent ‘wrong site surgery’. Whilst the details are not known, this could be the wrong body part, wrong side of the body or even the wrong procedure carried out – an error which could lead to unnecessary harm and corrective procedures.
Meanwhile, two patients received the wrong implant or prosthesis, which can cause pain, reduced mobility, and the need for revision surgery. Lastly, one patient experienced an insulin overdose, believed to be linked to “unclear abbreviations or the use of an incorrect delivery device”.
The trust operates Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, Scunthorpe General Hospital, and Goole and District Hospital. And Blackwater Law believes the incidents raise questions.
Jason Brady, partner at Blackwater Law, said: “These are events that, by their name, should never happen. It must be remembered that behind each event there is a person whose life has been affected and that these are events that can be avoided.”
A spokesman added: “Blackwater Law is urging anyone who believes they may have been affected by a similar incident whether through surgical error, medication mistake, or misdiagnosis to seek legal advice. “Medical negligence claims can provide compensation, but more importantly, they help hold healthcare providers accountable and prevent future harm. You deserve answers. You deserve justice.”