Surgeon suspended over patient consent

A HOSPITAL specialist has been suspended amid allegations concerning patient consent.

Michael Pembrey, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, East Sussex, has had his appointments taken over by colleagues after several recent complaints.

But last night Mr Pembrey, 53, said he was "extremely concerned" to learn that questions had been raised about his clinical conduct.

He added: "In particular, I regret the anxiety which this will inevitably generate towards my patients. I will co-operate with the trust's investigation and look forward to the opportunity to clear my name and to re-establish my professional reputation. At this stage, it's impossible for me to make any further comment."

In a statement issued yesterday, Hastings and Rother NHS Trust said Mr Pembrey would not be working at the hospital for at least the next fortnight. It said: "Some concerns relating to the professional conduct of Michael Pembrey have been brought to the attention of Hastings and Rother NHS Trust. In order for Mr Pembrey to properly respond to these concerns, other consultant staff will be covering his duties for an initial period of two weeks.

"At the moment there is nothing to suggest that any of his current or previous patients should have any need to be concerned, but a helpline [01424 757072] is available."

A source at the hospital said later that "a handful" of allegations had been made against Mr Pembrey, who has worked there for 10 years.