Surgeon accused over dying child remark

Dr Jan Jakubowski also worked at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital

A neurosurgeon told two consultants that a young child was going to die within earshot of her parents, a hearing has heard.

The parents of the girl who was being treated at Sheffield's Children's Hospital, were unaware of the full extent of their daughter's condition, it is claimed.

The comments were allegedly made by Dr Jan Jakubowski in June 2000.

Dr Jakubowski, from Brincliffe, Sheffield, has denied a charge of serious professional misconduct before a hearing of the General Medical Council.

I was shocked at the tactless way that he spoke within the hearing of the parents

Staff nurse Sara Hinch

Staff nurse Sara Hinch told the hearing that Dr Jakubowski was discussing the child's prognosis with two colleagues when she overheard the comment.

"He was asked if it was worthwhile taking the patient to theatre," she said.

"I heard him say 'She's dying really'.

"I was shocked at the tactless way that he spoke within the hearing of the parents."

'Stab' threat

She added: "The parents as this stage were not aware that the child had such a poor prognosis."

Ms Hinch said under cross-examination that she was not aware of the child's parents having heard the comment.

On Monday, the GMC was told that he threatened to stab a staff nurse in the bottom when she handed him the wrong blade during an operation at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

He is also accused of groping a nursing sister's breasts while fastening up her theatre gown and saying they were "nice and firm".

The hearing continues.