Doctors facing misconduct allegations may not learn their fate today (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Doctors facing misconduct allegations may not learn their fate today

11:31am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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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 may not reach a conclusion today, the Review has learned.

A GMC hearing investigating Dr Michael Ormiston, a vascular surgeon, and Dr Wasfy Yanny, a consultant aneasthetist both at Bupa - now known as Harpenden Spire Hospital - was due to end today.

But the Review has learned a panel is privately reviewing the evidence given throughout the hearing, and a verdict may not be reached today, as scheduled.

Dr Michael Ormiston and Dr Wasfy Yanny under took an operation on March 20, 2002 to cure 27-year-old Louise Field of her excessive sweating problem.

The hearing, now in tis third week, has heard 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.

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.

Keeo checking the Review for further updates to this story.