Doctor who cleared Neary quits Royal College post

THE president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) has resigned following a recent Medical Council finding of professional misconduct.

Dr John Murphy said he could not allow the findings to “compromise in any way” the reputation of the RCPI and as a consequence he was stepping down.

In a statement released yesterday by the RCPI, Dr Murphy said: “As president of the RCPI, I lead an organisation which is absolutely committed to setting and maintaining professional standards for doctors.

“Nevertheless, I now believe that I cannot allow the recent findings of the Medical Council against me to compromise in any way the reputation of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

“I have, therefore, resigned as president.”

Dr Murphy said he had “always endeavoured to act with honesty and integrity in his professional life as an obstetrician and gynaecologist”.

Dr Murphy was one of three consultants who cleared disgraced obstetrician Dr Michael Neary of any wrongdoing in 1998 after reviewing nine cases of caesarean hysterectomies carried out at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

At the time, Neary was suspended from work — the report cleared the way for his return — after concerns were raised about his high rate of caesarean hysterectomies.

In his contribution to the report, Dr Murphy said Neary should be allowed to continue practicing without restrictions, and that the mothers of the north east were “fortunate in having the services of such an experienced and caring obstetrician”.

Neary was subsequently found guilty of professional misconduct and struck off.

Earlier this month, the Medical Council decided to accept the findings by its fitness-to-practice committee of professional misconduct against Dr Murphy, Dr Bernard Stuart and Professor Walter Prendiville for their part in recommending Neary be allowed return to work.

Last night, the RCPI said they accepted with regret Dr Murphy’s resignation, but respected his decision.

Cathriona Molloy, spokeswoman for Patient Focus, a lobby group representing women damaged by Neary said they were relieved Dr Murphy had resigned. “We think it was a courageous decision to make and by doing this he has shown regret for what has happened.

“We don’t take pleasure from it, but we feel he has shown a sense of responsibility for what happened. The women are grateful.”