A CONSULTANT at the centre of an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) into botched gynaecological operations has been allowed to return to clinical practice.

Mr David Rosenberg has been suspended on full pay since November 2000 while his employers, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, carried out an internal investigation into claims of medical blunders.

But, the consultant obstetrician, who worked at St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals, was allowed back to work this month after the GMC made an interim order forbidding him from undertaking private practice but granting him leave to continue working under supervision in NHS hospitals while it continues its investigation.

The trust swiftly announced the consultant's resignation this week in the wake of criticism from former patients who have called for him and fellow gynaecologist Lennox Kane to be struck off. The trust stated it was taking no further action.

The patients, who formed the action group Wami Women Against Medical Injustice have responded to news with fury, fearing it signals that Mr Rosenberg will not be struck off.

Wami spokesman Anastasia Insley, of Stanton Close, St Albans, said: "I'm extremely angry to think that he's been given licence to go back to carving up bodies again.

"We feel betrayed. We have made it very clear to the trust that it is now up to them to make sure these consultants are struck off. I would hate to see other women and children suffer the same experience I have."

Mrs Insley has written to the GMC calling for Mr Rosenberg's removal from the medical register.

She is also calling on St Albans MP Kerry Pollard to honour a promise he made in the wake of last year's independent inquiry into the two consultants, to personally challenge the medical authorities if either were allowed back to work.

Mr Pollard said yesterday (Wednesday) he was delighted by Mr Rosenberg's resignation, adding that the order would ensure patients' safety by ensuring the consultant could not operate unsupervised.

He said: "I'm pleased the GMC are taking a strong line and not allowing him to practice except under supervision."

But, Harpenden MP Peter Lilley said he was "astonished" that the GMC had chosen to forbid the consultant from private hospitals while allowing him to continue treating NHS patients. He said: "It makes one wonder at the GMC's priorities. Either he's safe to practice or he's not and I will be asking them to justify this decision."