Medical body condemns gynaecologist

Paul Vinall "abused his position"

A gynaecologist who was found guilty of indecent assault on two patients, has been condemned by fellow doctors.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said Paul Vinall had abused his position by preying on "vulnerable" women.

The RCOG published guidelines in September 1997 on how to conduct intimate examinations which they said Vinall had ignored.

Professor Bill Dunlop, president of the association, said: "Paul Vinall has used his position to prey on women at a time when they were already vulnerable.

Chaperone offer

"We admire the courage of the women who came forward and gave evidence in court."

He said that under guidelines, women undergoing pelvic examination should be offered a chaperone irrespective of their gynaecologist's gender.

"It is clear that Paul Vinall did not follow this advice."

The guidelines also state that if a patient prefers to be examined without a chaperone, the request should be honoured and recorded in the notes.

Where a chaperone cannot be offered because of medical emergency or staff shortages, the patient should be informed of the unavailability of a chaperone and asked whether she would consent to proceeding with the examination.