MP demands end to surgeon's case

An MP has called the four-year suspension of a heart surgeon "an absolute scandal".

Dr Raj Mattu was suspended on full pay in February 2002 by managers at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital amid allegations of bullying.

Geoffrey Robinson MP has criticised the hospital's NHS trust over the time and cost spent on the case.

Dr Mattu's supporters claim he was disciplined for speaking out over conditions for patients in the wards.

The surgeon had complained over the practise of putting five patients into bays designed for four beds, a practise criticised by the Commission for Health Improvement the year before.

Shortly afterwards Dr Mattu faced allegations that he had bullied a junior colleague, and was suspended.

It's money which could and should have gone towards reducing the hospital's deficit Geoffrey Robinson MP

A review in 2004 cleared University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust of responsibility for any deaths in relation to overcrowding.

A five-strong disciplinary panel started considering the bullying accusations against Dr Mattu in January 2005, with the first part of their findings thought likely to be made public this month.

However Geoffrey Robinson, MP for Coventry North West, said four years of a talented man's career and well over £1m had been wasted.

He said: "It's an absolute scandal and there's no justification for it. The financial losses involved are enormous, it's money, which could and should have gone towards reducing the hospital's deficit. The whole process has taken far too long."