Following the surgery, Mr Coles, who was 66, was unable to swallow due to cranial nerve damage. He then spent several weeks in hospital where he eventually died, after contracting pneumonia from poor care he received on a general ward.
His sister, Julie Rhodes, says Mr Hardwidge has never explained to the family why Mr Coles was so ill after his operation. An inquest did not raise any concerns about the care Mr Coles received, a conclusion that left Ms Rhodes “dissatisfied” as it “didn’t answer any questions.”
However, a neurological expert who assessed the case for News said Stephen Coles’ death had been avoidable, and criticised Mr Hardwidge’s post-operative care. He said Mr Coles should have been fitted with a tracheostomy to help him breathe.
“The responsibility for protecting the patient’s airway,” said the expert, “must lie with the operating surgeon.”
File on 4 Investigates is aware concerns have been raised about care Carl Hardwidge provided to at least three other patients while working at the trust.
A judge at an employment tribunal also said he was “somewhat concerned” Mr Hardwidge had, during his evidence, tried to minimise delays in the care of another patient who died in 2012.
When File on 4 Investigates contacted Mr Hardwidge, he refused to comment.
