Obstetrician inquiry due to start soon

The Medical Council investigation into Sligo consultant obstetrician, Dr Victor Moore, centres around allegations that the level of complications recorded in patients he treated was higher than the norm.

The North Western Health Board, which operates Sligo General Hospital, has asked the Medical Council to conduct an investigation into Dr Moore's practice. This is expected to get under way shortly.

Concerns about Dr Moore's practice were raised by senior medical staff at Sligo General Hospital with management last May.

On foot of these concerns regarding the alleged level of complications, the North Western Health Board commissioned a former professor of obstetrics at Trinity College Dublin, Dr John Bonnar, to carry out an independent review of the obstetric/ gynaecology service at the hospital.

Informed sources said the findings of Prof Bonnar's report raised sufficient concerns with health board management to prompt them to send the entire document to the Medical Council, the regulatory body for doctors in Ireland.

It is understood that on foot of receiving the Bonnar report from the North Western Health Board last month, the council decided a full investigation should be carried out by its Fitness to Practise Committee. It is understood Dr Moore will strongly contest the allegations made against him. Dr Moore is believed to be currently out of the country, but is thought likely to return later this week.

The NWHB yesterday declined to elaborate on the issues behind its decision to ask the Medical Council to carry out an investigation.

The health board declined to state how many patients were involved or to specify the nature of the concerns highlighted in Prof Bonnar's report.

It reiterated its statement of Tuesday night in which it confirmed that a consultant obstetrician gynaecologist was "currently on leave pending a full review and process currently under way".

The NWHB has put in place a telephone advice line for patients with worries or concerns.

The health board helpline number is 071-9174511.

The Irish Patients Association called for the Medical Council investigation into the allegations to be held in public. At present Medical Council Fitness to Practise inquiries are held in private.

However, under new legislation currently being planned by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, future investigations of complaints against doctors would be held in public.