Attack on 'unfair' naming of doctor

A gynaecologist is under investigation

A decision by bosses to release the name of a gynaecologist under investigation has been condemned as 'unfair and unjust'.

Consultant Eftis Paraskevaides, 44, has agreed to stop working while an independent review of procedures and operations carried out by him is completed.

This is often a source of added distress to them and to their families

Medical Defence Union spokesman

But the Medical Defence Union, which is representing him, says that the decision by chiefs at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon to name him in the meantime has caused "added distress".

It is campaigning for employers to have a duty of confidentiality unless either the allegations are proved, or there are fears of a continued danger to patients.

A spokesman said: "Individual doctors, who are under such scrutiny and against whom no allegations have been proven, are invariably deluged by enquiries from journalists and this is often a source of added distress to them and to their families."

A hospital spokesman said on Wednesday that patients should not be concerned, although a helpline has been set up for them to call if they need more information.

Women who had been treated by Mr Paraskevaides have already begun to ring the number.

The review was ordered after colleagues at Hinchingbrooke Hospital said they were concerned about his work.

We have no reason to believe that any individual patient has cause to worry

Hospital spokesman

He has worked as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the district general hospital for six years.

A statement from the hospital said: "Concerns have been expressed by some clinicians both within the hospital and in general practice about matters of clinical performance.

"In addition, some questions were raised in a recent audit of gynaecological cancer services which need to be resolved.

'Cooperating fully'

"Mr Paraskevaides is cooperating fully with the review and shares the Trust's view that he should stop operating until it is concluded.

"It should be noted that investigations are at an extremely early stage."

It went on: "We have no reason to believe that any individual patient has cause to worry."

The review is to be conducted by senior consultants from another hospital.

No complaint has been made to the General Medical Council, the hospital said.

The helpline numbers are [phone] and [phone].