Consultant quits over op delays

David Penman resigned after disciplinary action was taken

A gynaecologist who spoke out over claims he was left with nothing to do because his hospital delayed non-urgent surgery has resigned.

David Penman faced disciplinary action after saying public money was being wasted through the delays at Kent's £1m-in-debt Medway Maritime Hospital.

He resigned because he could "no longer tolerate the way the NHS is being run".

A spokesman said under NHS policy staff should raise concerns with hospital authorities rather than in the media.

Mr Penman spoke out in March after the hospital imposed minimum waiting times of nine weeks for outpatient appointments and 20 weeks for non-urgent operations.

'Great regret'

He argued it resulted in operations being cancelled and doctors, nurses and theatre teams having nothing to do.

On Monday he said he had resigned "with great regret".

"I come from a long line of doctors and I was brought up to act and behave to my patients with honour, honesty and respect and all I see is spin, lies and deceit from the management," he explained.

"I don't feel I can work in a system like that."

The hospital is continuing with disciplinary action against him despite the fact he has resigned.

The Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham had a £1m in 2005/2006

"There is little point, though they could consider summarily dismissing me," he said.

"I would think that would involve me taking the trust to an industrial tribunal.

"It is an important principle not to allow organisations to effectively gag people who, for the most honourable reasons, are wishing to expose dishonourable actions to public scrutiny."

Bill Gillespie, chief executive of Medway Primary Care Trust, said he was unable to comment on the specific circumstances of the case.

But he agreed an individual could opt to talk to the press if he could demonstrate he had raised his concerns through the proper channels.

"Mr Penman is correct in saying that there is a minimum waiting time for non-urgent operations," said Mr Gillespie.

"I am sure we all want to get waiting times down.

"However we have to balance that putting money into other services.

"The trust has been working very hard to make sure consultants are fully occupied."