‘Patient safety’ key to allegations against doctor

Concern over patient safety was central to the allegations brought forward against a doctor, a disciplinary inquiry heard yesterday.

However, Omar Hassan Khalafalla Mohamed “totally rejected” the allegations, and said the case has had a “devastating effect” on his health.

A verdict in the inquiry was originally expected yesterday but has now been delayed until later this month.

Dr Hassan told the inquiry by telephone yesterday morning that he had flu and asked for an adjournment until 2pm. He attended the afternoon session via Skype.

The adjournment meant there was no time for the committee’s deliberations.

Dr Hassan is facing a number of allegations relating to time he spent working at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Mayo General Hospital, and University Hospital Galway.

During his closing submissions, Frank Beatty, counsel for the CEO of the Medical Council, argued a number of Dr Hassan’s former colleagues raised issues regarding Dr Hassan because they were concerned about patient safety.

‘This is a safety issue,” Mr Beatty said yesterday. He said Dr Hassan, as part of his defence, has made allegations against a number of his former colleagues without any evidence. Mr Beatty pointed out that Dr Hassan chose to not give evidence under oath to the inquiry.

In his closing submissions, Dr Hassan said: “I’d like this case to be dropped as soon as possible.”