Houllier's heart surgeon returns

Miss Griffiths assisted in Gerard Houllier's heart operations

A heart surgeon who operated on Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier will return to work more than a year after she was suspended.

Elaine Griffiths, who works at Liverpool's Cardiothoracic Centre, was the UK's first female heart surgeon.

She was suspended in January 2003 while her work was reviewed, but managers refused to reveal any more details.

Mr Houllier, who suffered a dissected aorta in October 2001, was not affected by the review.

Mike Bone, chief executive of the Cardiothoracic Centre, said Miss Griffiths' return would, initially, be under supervision.

She explained: "She will have a period of mentorship by a consultant cardiac surgeon as part of a phased return to full consultant duties."

Houllier underwent an 11-hour operation led by surgeon Abbas Rashid, who was assisted by Miss Griffiths.

She has declined to comment on her suspension or reinstatement.