Disgraced doctor accused of rape

More than 400 women complained about Mr Ledward

Almost 40 women have launched a court action against a health authority in Kent claiming they were raped and sexually assaulted by a former gynaecologist over a 16-year period.

Rodney Ledward, who died two years ago, was struck off in 1998 after it was discovered he botched operations.

Papers have now been filed with the High Court on behalf of 36 women against Mr Ledward's former employers, Kent and Medway Health Authority and the East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust.

A further 14 cases are pending and solicitors acting on behalf of the alleged victims say more women are coming forward.

The allegations are of rape and serious sexual assault which date from 1980 to 1996

Solicitor Richard Vosper

Richard Vosper, from Jane Loveday solicitors, told BBC News Online: "Details of 36 cases were filed on 13 October and a defence has to be submitted by 21 November.

"We will be filing in the other cases we know about, but more people are coming forward all the time.

"The courts have set a deadline of January 2003 for new cases.

"The allegations are of rape and serious sexual assault which date back to 1980 when Mr Ledward began working for the trust and continue up to 1996 when he was suspended.

"We are taking action against the health authority and the hospital as Mr Ledward's employers."

A special hotline number (0800 389 4870) has been set up by the solicitors for alleged victims of the gynaecologist.

Botched surgery

Mr Ledward died two years after he was struck off the medical register for serious professional misconduct relating to 13 botched operations at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the private St Saviour's Hospital in Hythe between 1989 and 1996.

Subsequently more than 400 women made complaints about him which included rape allegations.

The hospitals and the health authority have declined to comment while the court case is pending.

However, David Towns, spokesman for NHS Litigation Authority, said they will assess the situation fully after the January deadline for claims.

He said: "It's only then we can understand how large the group is and (we) will be dealing with the claims on an individual basis but subject to the group's litigation order."