Wells man left waiting for answers four years after rare post-surgery infection

A Wells man left wheelchair-dependent after contracting a rare and severe infection following cardiac surgery at the Bristol Heart Institute says he is still waiting for answers—more than four years after his operation.

Stewart Reginald Binning, 81, underwent aortic valve surgery at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) in June 2020. Although his initial recovery seemed positive, just six weeks later, he was rushed back to hospital, where he was diagnosed with Staphylococcus warneri, a rare infection linked to the valve used in his surgery. That valve was later recalled.

Despite undergoing further treatment and surgery to replace the valve, Mr Binning's condition continued to deteriorate, and in October 2024, he suffered a stroke. Now reliant on 24-hour care, he says the lack of answers about what went wrong has placed immense emotional and physical stress on both him and his family.

In June 2023, three years after his diagnosis, UHBW contacted Mr Binning to inform him that his case was part of a thematic review, a type of investigation aimed at identifying safety concerns.

By mid-2024, he received another update, revealing that he was one of 11 patients who had tested positive for S. warneri following surgery performed by the same surgeon. The hospital also admitted that an additional 145 patients had been contacted regarding concerns about their care.

However, despite months passing since this update, Mr Binning says he is still waiting for the full findings of the investigation and remains "in the dark" about what happened during his surgery.

Mr Binning said the ongoing uncertainty has made it even harder to adjust to his condition.

"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 what went wrong—and, more importantly, whether it could have been prevented."

He also believes that his stroke was a direct consequence of the stress caused by the infection.

"I truly believe that if I hadn't developed the infection, I wouldn't have had the stroke. The illness, and the stress it put me under, has had really serious consequences."

The Staphylococcus warneri outbreak in 2020 was initially thought to have affected just three cardiac patients. It was first linked to equipment used during the COVID-19 pandemic, but early findings from the thematic review suggest a more significant issue—potentially affecting up to 145 patients.

Despite this, Mr Binning and others impacted say they still do not know what measures have been taken to prevent further cases.

Christian Beadell, head of medical negligence group claims at Fletchers Solicitors, which represents several affected patients, said:

"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."

Mr Beadell also highlighted the Trust's legal duty of candour, which requires open communication with affected patients.

"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 says the stroke has completely changed his life, leaving him feeling trapped and unheard.

"I can't work, I can't walk. It's affected my balance and left me feeling completely housebound."

As he continues to wait for answers, he is urging the NHS Trust to act.

"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!"