Medical Council may act on surgeon under investigation

THE Medical Council has pledged to take whatever steps necessary to protect the public if it emerges a consultant under investigation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) poses a threat to patient safety.

Yesterday, the HSE confirmed a locum consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the north-east has had his practice restricted since 2004.

The surgeon was working at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda when concerns were raised about his work by his colleagues in early 2004.

In a statement, the HSE said it had “an obligation to provide safe systems of healthcare and related services for patients and clients to the highest possible quality” and was “also responsible for providing a safe working environment for staff”. The HSE sought an external review of the practice of the locum which is now complete. A report is imminent.

The HSE decided to put restrictions on the consultant’s practice in May 2004, shortly after it became aware of a potential problem. It is understood the HSE sought outside experts to analyse the work of the consultant.

The investigation puts Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital back in the spotlight. It was in the headlines recently for the unusually high rate of hysterectomies carried out at its maternity unit over a 25-year period.

The review of the consultant is the second review the HSE has confirmed is under way in recent weeks. A separate review is taking place into clinical procedures at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.

Medical Council president Dr John Hillery would not comment last night on whether the doctor in the latest case was under investigation for fitness to practice.

He said: “We are obviously concerned at what we have heard and we are taking steps to check if there are any issues relevant to Medical Council duties to protect the public interest.”

Separately, at the agm of the Irish Medical Organisation in Co Kerry, doctors voted for motions opposing Government proposals for a majority lay membership on the Medical Council.

Dr Hugh Bredin said he was concerned Health Minister Mary Harney “would appoint friends” to the council. They vowed to oppose such moves by refusing to register doctors if necessary.