Accounts of patient and doctor contradictory, inquiry told

A Medical Council inquiry has been told that two accounts of what was said between a consultant and his patient directly contradict each other.

A fitness to practise inquiry yesterday retired to consider a decision on consultant obstetrician Dr Patrick (Gerry) Raff-erty, who faces allegations of professional misconduct in relation to two of his patients.

One of the women, Michelle Howe, was rushed to hospital where she had to undergo an emergency procedure after suffering an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when an embryo develops outside of the womb and, if left untreated, can be potentially fatal.