Medical Council to fight obstetricians' court challenge

The Medical Council is vowing to vigorously defend itself in High Court proceedings being brought by two of the obstetricians recently censured over the Dr Michael Neary scandal.

Dr John Murphy and Professor Walter Prendiville were found guilty of professional misconduct after a fitness-to-practice inquiry by the council.

The pair were among three obstetricians who wrote a 1998 report exonerating Dr Neary of any wrongdoing in connection with the unnecessary removal of women's wombs at Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Dr Neary was later struck of the register in connection with scandal.

Dr Murphy and Professor Prendiville have lodged a High Court challenge to the findings against them with a view to seeking a judicial review of the Medical Council decision.

However, in a statement today, the council said it would vigorously defend itself in the case.