Consultant settles damages claim

A hospital consultant who was suspended on full pay of pounds 50,000 for more than 11 years has reached a settlement with the North-East Thames Regional Health Authority. Dr Bridget O'Connell, 59, a paediatrician who criticised standards of care at King George hospital, Ilford, was suspended in 1982 over her alleged 'inability to relate effectively with her clinical colleagues'. No formal disciplinary proceedings were ever launched.

Yesterday, a settlement of her claim for damages against the authority and an agreement to take early retirement and an honorary consultant post with the authority were announced.