The widow of a renowned British-Indian doctor, who passed away in 2021, has made claims of medical negligence in her husband’s treatment of a rare condition. Prof Amit Patel, described as a pioneer in stem cell transplantation, was admitted to hospital in Manchester in August 2021 with flu-like symptoms suspected to be linked to a throat infection, the Daily Mail reported.
Despite medical intervention, his condition worsened and doctors diagnosed him with Still’s disease, a rare inflammatory condition leading to a potentially deadly immune disorder called HLH. His wife Shivani Tanna, who is a general practitioner, expressed dismay at the hospital’s lack of understanding of HLH, despite Patel’s expertise in the field. She recounted their challenges, including the struggle to access critical medical information.
Despite initial treatment with steroids, Patel’s condition deteriorated, prompting discussions about discharging him for outpatient care. However, his condition worsened further, leading to his transfer to intensive care. Dr. Tanna described the harrowing experience of watching her husband’s health decline, exacerbated by the hospital’s understaffing and apparent disregard for their concerns. Despite efforts to save him, including a lung biopsy and sedation on a specialist ECMO machine, Prof Patel tragically passed away on October 28, 2021.
“He was exceptionally brilliant as a doctor, and an amazing human being,’ his widow told the hearing. …He was probably one of the most knowledgeable and best doctors that the UK had,” said his widow, who expressed regret at not being able to transfer him to a top London hospital. During a hearing into Patel’s premature death, questions were raised about the hospital’s handling of the British-Indian’s case. Dr. Simon Watts, a hematologist involved in Patel’s care, acknowledged gaps in communication and decision-making during the hearing into his premature death.
Professor Patel was a graduate of Medicine from Imperial College London, where he also completed his PhD in Clinical Science and Molecular Genetics at what is now the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS). He completed National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Academy of Medical Sciences-funded postdoctoral research at the Institute of Cancer Research, and clinical academic training in London, mainly at the Royal Marsden and Hammersmith Hospitals. His legacy as a pioneering figure in stem cell transplantation and cancer research was celebrated by colleagues at Imperial College London, who mourned the loss of a brilliant clinician, researcher, and teacher.
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