Medical Council to inquire into gynaecologist's practice

The North Western Health Board has asked the Medical Council to carry out an investigation into the practice of a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist.

Dr Victor Moore, a consultant obstetric-ian/gynaecologist at Sligo General Hospital, is currently on leave pending the inquiry.

The North Western Health Board, in a statement last night, confirmed that a review was under way into the practice of one of its consultants.

The Irish Times understands that in recent months the health board asked former professor of obstetrics at Trinity College Dublin, Dr John Bonnar, to carry out a review of cases seen by Dr Moore.

Following completion of Prof Bonnar's report, the North Western Health Board referred the matter to the Medical Council.

The Medical Council is the governing body for doctors in Ireland and its disciplinary arm, the Fitness to Practise Committee, carries out investigations into complaints made against members of the medical profession.

The Medical Council last night declined to comment on the case.

A spokesman said that under legislation the council cannot confirm or deny that it is investigating any case until a finding of professional misconduct has been made.

The spokesman said that any application made to, or orders sought from, the High Court by the council in the course of an investigation were in general heard in camera and that publication of the details was a matter for the judge.

In a statement to The Irish Times last night, the chief executive officer of the North Western Health Board, Mr Pat Harvey, said that it was legally prohibited from discussing any decisions made by the Medical Council.

"However, we would acknowledge that a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist at Sligo General Hospital is currently on leave pending a full review and process currently under way," Mr Harvey said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for the North Western Health Board last night declined to comment on the nature of the concerns which have been referred to the Medical Council.

The North Western Health Board also declined to reveal the findings of Prof Bonnar's report.