Verdict due this evening on gynaecologist Peter Van Geene

A Medical Council committee has retired to consider its verdict in the Fitness to Practise Inquiry into a consultant gynaecologist.

Peter Van Geene is accused of Poor Professional Performance for hysterectomies he performed on four women at Aut Even Private Hospital, Kilkenny between 2009 and 2011.

Three of the women went on to have severe post-operative bleeds, which according to lawyers for the medical council shows a pattern of poor professional performance.

Counsel for Mr Van Geene has questioned the testimony of patient Helen Cruise, saying her evidence that the consultant hit her was a "disgraceful allegation to make".

A verdict is expected to be delivered this afternoon at 2.30pm.