Doctor tells GMC of errors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A GYNAECOLOGIST accused of a catalogue of blunders went against "basic surgical procedures," a General Medical Committee hearing was told yesterday.
Rodney Ledward, 58, a consultant who faces being struck off, is alleged to have perforated a patient's bladder and blocked a tube from her kidneys during a hysterectomy.
The hearing was told that the woman, known only as patient 4, was clearly bleeding after the procedure, but the surgeon did not investigate the cause. Instead he ordered a test, turned off his mobile phone and left St Saviour's private hospital in Hythe, Kent, after the operation in January 1996.
Consultant surgeon Charles Derry said he was called to see the woman, who was left leaking urine after an operation where her healthy ovaries were removed without consent.
Mr Derry, from Saltwood, Kent, said she was suffering from a damaged ureter tube leading from her kidneys to her bladder. He tried unsuccessfully to pass a tube to her kidney, but could not get it through because of a blockage. Instead, he had to put in a "stent" as a temporary measure until an operation could repair the damage done by Mr Ledward.
Mr Derry condemned Mr Ledward for allegedly delegating an inexperienced locum registrar to perform a difficult operation on an obese 17-stone woman who had an abscess in her womb, then failing to take action as her condition deteriorated.
After the operation, which Mr Ledward allegedly delegated, the woman's wound "burst as she was being wheeled to the operating theatre for an emergency operation", he said.
Dr Hugh Bradfield, a consultant anaesthetist for 18 years, spoke about private patient 10. Mr Ledward allegedly told her that the NHS would not grant her request for an epidural and for her husband to be present. Dr Bradfield said such a request normally would have been granted.
The hearing continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments