The review has prompted former patients to be contacted directly by the hospital.
Below is a timeline of Mr Irwin’s career and the key developments that led to the current review:
2001-2023: Long-standing North East practice
Leslie Irwin practised as an orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Washington Hospital from 2001 until 2023, while also working for South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
Over more than two decades, he treated patients in both the NHS and private healthcare systems across the North East.
Leslie Irwin (Image: SUPPLIED)
Some patients say they underwent multiple procedures during this period, placing long-term trust in his care.
2022: Departure from the NHS
In 2022, Mr Irwin retired from his NHS role at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, bringing his NHS career to an end.
He continued working in private practice at Spire Washington Hospital following his retirement from the NHS.
2023: Suspension by Spire Healthcare
Concerns about Mr Irwin’s work emerged the following year.
In August 2023, Spire Healthcare suspended him, with issues later shared with healthcare watchdogs.
Spire Hospital Washington (Image: Stuart Boulton/NORTHERN ECHO)
2024: Loss of practising privileges
In September 2024, Spire Healthcare took further action, withdrawing Mr Irwin’s practising privileges at Spire Washington Hospital.
This step formally prevented him from continuing to operate at the private hospital.
2025: GMC registration relinquished
In May 2025, Mr Irwin relinquished his registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), meaning he is no longer licensed to practise medicine in the UK.
2025: Review of patient procedures launched
In summer 2025, Spire Healthcare began a formal review into specific procedures carried out by Mr Irwin on a select cohort of patients.
Sunderland Royal Hospital (Image: Stuart Boulton/NORTHERN ECHO)
The review is being conducted under NHS England’s National Quality Board Recall Framework, which is designed to support patients when potential concerns about past treatment are identified.
Former patients have since begun receiving calls and letters informing them that their care is being reviewed.
CQC inspection of Spire Washington Hospital
Shortly afterwards, in October 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected Spire Washington Hospital.
The inspection followed concerns about the quality of care being provided. The CQC has confirmed its findings will be published in due course, once internal quality assurance processes have been completed.
2026: Current position and patient support
Spire Washington Hospital says it is contacting all patients it believes may be affected, while also urging anyone with concerns who has not yet been contacted to come forward.
The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed it is not currently recalling patients, but is considering information shared by Spire.
Meanwhile, legal firm Slater and Gordon says it is supporting several former patients and has described the situation as “deeply distressing” for those affected.
What patients can do now?
Patients can:
Contact Spire Washington Hospital directly by calling 0191 720 3031 or emailing spirepne@spirehealthcare.com
Report concerns to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects and regulates healthcare services. The CQC can be contacted via enquiries@cqc.org.uk or on 03000 616161.
Seek independent legal advice if they have worries about the care they received. Slater and Gordon is supporting several former patients and will be holding an online legal clinic on Tuesday, January 20. Further information is available via dominic.smith@slatergordon.uk
The Northern Echo has attempted to contact Mr Irwin for comment but received no response within the timeframe given.