NHS staff suspensions questioned

Dr Hope is suspended on full pay

There are calls for the NHS to review its policy on staff suspensions after a top surgeon was sent home for allegedly taking an extra bowl of soup.

Brain surgeon Terence Hope, 57, is accused of failing to pay for the extra portion at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham.

The British Medical Association (BMA) says unnecessary suspensions are being used by "macho management".

A leading neurosurgeon said it would be difficult to replace Dr Hope.

'Soul destroying'

Dr Hope is now suspended on his full pay of £80,000 a year while the case is investigated.

Suspension is often used by 'macho management culture' when it is unnecessary Dr Jonathon Fielden BMA Consultants Committee

Dr Jonathon Fielden, a member of the British Medical Association's consultants committee, said: "The use of suspensions is sadly excessive within the NHS at the moment.

"It should only be used where patients need to be protected, or where it is essential that the person be suspended for investigation, or in exceptional circumstances.

"Suspension is often used by 'macho management culture' when it is unnecessary."

Unison regional secretary Linda Perks said a general review of suspensions was needed.

"The Audit Commission has said the NHS is using suspensions too liberally and people are being suspended for too long," she said.

Ms Perks said it was not the first case of its kind at the Queen's Medical Centre.

Soul destroying

A hospital canteen worker there was sacked last year after a similar incident.

Nigel Mendoza, a consultant neurosurgeon at Charing Cross Hospital in London, said Dr Hope was a highly respected surgeon.

"It would be almost impossible to replace a surgeon like Dr Hope if he is suspended for several weeks or months.

"The stress on Dr Hope must be almost unimaginable and soul destroying," he said.

The Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, said an alternative consultant would cover a monthly clinic there that is usually handled by Dr Hope.