Gynaecologist suspended

Mr Paraskevaides worked at Hitchingbrooke Hospital

A health authority has suspended a consultant gynaecologist after fears were raised about his work.

Mr Eftis Paraskevaides, who is based at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, Cambridge, has pledged to clear his name.

Officials at the Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust said the concerns centred on the treatment and diagnosis of 40 patients.

I will be fighting to clear my name

Mr Eftis Paraskevaides

Mr Paraskevaides will appear before a disciplinary tribunal, probably next year.

A spokeswoman for the trust said Mr Paraskevaides had treated thousands of women during the six years he had worked at the hospital.

Five independent expert gynaecologists, nominated by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, have studied case notes of 562 of Mr Paraskevaides' patients.

The spokeswoman said: "The experts' conclusions have convinced the trust that there is sufficient cause for concern about aspects of Mr Paraskevaides' clinical work relating to the diagnosis and treatment of 40 patients to warrant formal suspension."

Mr Paraskevaides voluntarily stopped working when concerns were first raised by hospital staff in August.

He said: "I have been requesting my formal suspension for some months because that gives me greater legal protection.

"The trust have now agreed to that. I will be fighting to clear my name and the most important thing now is for me to have the chance to answer the allegations against me."

Campaign group

Mr Paraskevaides is a brilliant and pioneering surgeon

Peter Whitham, campaign group

A campaign group made up of some of Mr Paraskevaides' colleagues and friends has been set up to support the doctor.

Peter Whitham, one of the group's leaders, said the "facts would speak for themselves".

Mr Whitham said he was not aware of any patient who had made a complaint.

"I challenge the health authority to say how many people have made complaints. I don't believe there are any.

"This has all come from colleagues and the foundation of it is nothing more than professional jealousy.

"Mr Paraskevaides is a brilliant and pioneering surgeon. We have more than 500 of his ex-patients who have contacted us offering their support for him."

The authority has set up a helpline for any patients with concerns about their treatment. The number is 01480 416403.