Doctor ‘mistook X-ray of ankle for an elbow’

A doctor showed “gross lack of knowledge” regarding theatre protocol, a disciplinary inquiry heard yesterday, as evidence concluded.

John McElwain, who is clinical professor of trauma and orthopaedic surgery at Trinity College Dublin, continued his evidence from Thursday and argued again that a large number of the allegations against Omar Hassan constituted poor professional performance and professional misconduct.

The inquiry yesterday heard of an alleged incident where Dr Hassan mistook an ankle for an elbow.

Dr Hassan, 30, faces allegations relating to time he spent as a senior house officer (SHO) at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise in 2012, Mayo General Hospital in 2013, and University Hospital Galway in 2014.

Dr Hassan, whose medical registration is suspended, denies the allegations.

“To mistake an ankle for an elbow is a very, very serious matter indeed,” said Prof McElwain yesterday. “There is no similarity whatsoever... It’s unbelievable.”

When asked about his general thoughts on the case, Prof McElwain said: “I have every reason to believe all the allegations… This was an ongoing problem.

“He was asked to see sick patients and either didn’t see them or didn’t perform in the manner he should have performed.”

Under cross-examination, Dr Hassan, who is representing himself, asked Prof McElwain whether human assessment is as reliable as exam results. Dr Hassan has previously told the inquiry of his academic successes.

Prof McElwain said working as an SHO is not so much about how well one does on exams but “it’s how you can relate to the poor unfortunate patient on the bed”.

“A lot of medicine is common sense,” he said. “You have to be able to communicate with the patient.”

Dr Hassan yesterday called a witness, Olivia Hutchinson, a clinical nurse manager at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

“I can’t remember any major incidents during the time you were there,” Ms Hutchinson told the inquiry.

A ruling is due on Monday.