Gynaecologist lacked op consent

The General Medical Council said the case was "wholly exceptional"

A gynaecologist who failed to obtain consent from a woman for an operation which left her unable to have sex has not been struck off.

The General Medical Council (GMC) ruled it had been an "exceptional" case that saw Essex-based Dr June Swinhoe fail in her practise.

Marian Howland, 52, from Epping, had not been made aware of risks linked to her operation for a prolapse in 2003.

The GMC panel ruled Dr Swinhoe posed no risk to patients.

In March 2003, Dr Swinhoe was working as a consultant gynaecologist at King George Hospital in Ilford and privately at Holly House Hospital in Buckhurst Hill.

I have lost a lot of my life and all unnecessarily Marian Howland

Mrs Howland had been married for eight years when she visited Dr Swinhoe with a prolapse and discomfort during sex.

She told the panel she was admitted for the prolapse to be repaired but was not informed of all the side effects or of any risks associated with the procedures.

Dr Swinhoe had not taken a full medical history from Mrs Howland who had previously had a hysterectomy, her ovaries removed and become blind in one eye.

In tears, Mrs Howland told the panel a few weeks after the operation it became clear she had been left unable to have sex, and had been left "shell-shocked".

'Distressing experience'

She added: "I have lost my best friend, my husband, my lover.

"I have lost a lot of my life and all unnecessarily."

The panel told Dr Swinhoe: "The deficiencies in your communication with Mrs Howland and your failure to obtain consent from her were an aberration and amount to an isolated departure from your usual high standards of professional competence and care.

"The finding that your fitness is impaired is, in itself, a very significant mark on your record.

"You have learned from this distressing experience.

"This is a wholly exceptional case and in the circumstances the panel is satisfied that it is fair, proportionate and sufficient to conclude the case without taking any action in respect of your registration."