Neary’s legacy - Prendiville decision is a surprise

SERIOUS questions are raised by the appointment of a doctor found guilty of professional misconduct to head up the country’s first National Clinical Skills Centre.

Professor Walter Prendiville, named yesterday for the new post at the Coombe Hospital, is one of three obstetricians who gave the green light to rogue obstetrician Dr Michael Neary at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

In 2003, Dr Neary was found guilty of professional misconduct in performing unnecessary hysterectomies and struck off the medical register. Following an investigation by the Medical Council’s fitness to practice committee, Professor Prendiville was found guilty of professional misconduct for clearing Dr Neary.