Surgeon Neil Hopper charged with fraud

Dr Neil Hopper, celebrated for his resilience, now faces serious criminal charges.

Surgeon accused of fraud after claiming leg amputations

Neil Hopper, a 49-year-old vascular surgeon from Truro, is facing multiple charges that threaten to tarnish his reputation as a hero. Known for enduring his own leg amputations due to sepsis, he allegedly misled insurers about the cause of his injuries, claiming they were not self-inflicted. In addition, he has been charged with encouraging others to remove body parts. The accusations follow an impressive career in which he performed hundreds of amputations at the Royal Cornwall Hospital before being suspended in March 2023. His upcoming court appearance on Wednesday could shed more light on these troubling allegations, which have raised significant concerns about his actions before and after his own surgeries.

This situation raises questions about trust within the medical profession and the safeguards in place to protect patients. As a celebrated figure in healthcare who had earned the title of the 'bravest in Britain,' Hopper's alleged actions could undermine public confidence in medical practitioners. Furthermore, it prompts a discussion about the psychological implications for medical professionals who have faced severe health challenges, especially when they transition from patient to practitioner.

Highlights

Hopper's case will likely remain in the public eye as the story unfolds in court.