Deaths of around 40 patients at an underperforming hospital trust are being investigated by police.
It comes after allegations of medical negligence made by two top surgeons.
The consultants lost their jobs at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, East Sussex, after blowing the whistle.
Both claimed that management failed to properly investigate the deaths, which took place between 2015 and 2020, and learn from mistakes made.
Sussex Police last week told George Findlay, chief executive of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust that it was investigating “a number of deaths”.
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Last month, inspectors from the Care Quality Commission downgraded the trust, giving it a “requires improvement” rating for patient safety.
In an email to staff, Mr Findlay said: “You’ll be aware that our general surgery and neurosurgery services at the county have been the subject of intense scrutiny over the last year.”
But he insisted: “Recent feedback has recognised positive progress being made.
“I am extremely proud of the huge strides those teams are making and of their focus on providing the highest possible standards of care.”
The trust confirmed it was contacted by the police. It added: “We are cooperating fully to ensure concerns raised are investigated. It would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.”
Sussex Police said the force is assessing allegations of medical negligence, adding: “Inquiries are at an early stage and this does not necessarily mean this will lead to criminal prosecution. We are working closely with partner agencies. The hospital trust is cooperating fully with our review.”
