Doctor 'ignored dying man'

A locum doctor refused to attend a dying man who was "turning blue" outside a surgery, a disciplinary hearing was told yesterday.

Raja Francis Wannaku-Korale allegedly said he could not help the pensioner because he was not a patient of the practice in Salford and continued to write out prescriptions. The professional conduct committee of the General Medical Council was told that the man, Clarence Berry, who was in his 70s, died later.

A passer-by John Snell told how he rushed into the centre after seeing Mr Berry on the pavement. "I was shocked at their disregard. I could not believe that no one would help."

Dr Wannaku-Korale, of Eccles, denies serious professional misconduct over the incident in March last year.

The hearing was adjourned until tomorrow.