A brain surgeon who feared he was going to die when a hospital lift plunged four floors has launched a £200,000 legal claim against the NHS. Dr Steven Tominey, a neurosurgery specialist, suffered life-changing leg injuries in the incident at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, in March 2024.
The court heard that Dr Tominey entered the lift between 7am and 7.30am while working a night shift. The lift dropped four floors before the brakes activated, causing him to sustain a fracture in two places. He was forced to crawl to the emergency buzzer and was rescued five to ten minutes later.
Despite immediate surgery, his knee did not set properly, requiring a second operation to shorten one of his legs. The injuries have left him with a limp, ongoing pain, and difficulty standing for long periods at work. He also developed depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, requiring specialist therapy.
Dr Tominey is suing his former employer, Barts Health NHS Trust, for over £200,000 in compensation. The trust has admitted breach of duty but disputes the extent of the injuries and the amount of damages. It has also requested a delay in proceedings to allow for a clearer medical prognosis.
Lawyers for Dr Tominey argue that the trust owed a duty to provide a safe workplace and that the accident is likely to hinder his career progression. The case continues at London's High Court.
