GMC hearing over misconduct allegations due to end today (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

GMC hearing over misconduct allegations due to end today

9:54am Friday 10th July 2009

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THE case of two Harpenden doctors facing a catalogue of misconduct allegations following an operation which left a sportswoman brain dead is due to end today.

Dr Michael Ormiston, a vascular surgeon and Dr Wasfy Yanny, a consultant anaesthetist both at Bupa – now known as Harpenden Spire Hospital – under took an operation on March 20, 2002 to cure 27-year-old Louise Field of her excessive sweating problem.

A panel at the General Medical Council (GMC) have heard through evidence how the amateur sportswoman's lung was punctured with a needle after which carbon dioxide was pumped into her stomach.

The pioneering operation had been carried out by Dr Ormiston a number of times, but the panel was told it was the first time the procedure was undertaken by the surgeon at the that particular hospital.

However, Ms Field failed to wake up following the operation and was left brain dead. Her life support machine was turned off on March 22 by doctors at Hemel Hempstead Hospital where she was transferred to after her oxygen levels dropped dangerously low.

The GMC hearing, which began on Monday, June 15, is due to return a verdict later today. Dr Ormiston, of Abbey Mill End, St Albans, is facing 17 charges of misconduct, while Dr Yanny, of Penny Croft, Harpenden, faces 25 allegations. The pair deny misconduct.

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