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By Karen
Hambridge
A
Walsgrave medical chief will meet suspended doctor Raj
Mattu this week in an attempt to progress any
disciplinary action. The situation has reached a
stalemate following a hearing in May. Dr Mattu, a
cardiologist, who is now holding health and heart clinics
at a community hall in Foleshill, has not been at work
since February 21. He was suspended amid allegations of
bullying a junior colleague who now no longer works at
the hospital. Dr Mike Harrison, the hospital trust's
medical director, is in charge of investigating the case.
It is thought more allegations have either already been
levelled at the doctor or are in the pipeline. The
hearing in May was adjourned so Dr Mattu and his
representative, Stephen Campion, from the Hospital
Consultants and Specialists Association, could gather
further defence evidence in the light of the allegations
made. Mr Campion has requested to see witness statements
provided to the hospital as part of their case against Dr
Mattu. The hospital has not handed these over.
Bryan
King, from the Dr Raj Mattu Reinstatement Committee, said:
"Walsgrave Hospital has refused to release the
witness statements which contain the allegations against
Raj. "This prevents him from defending his position.
In the interests of natural justice, the hospital trust
must provide these statements. "This is the impasse
we are at."
According
to the hospital, the statements cannot be released.John
Richardson, spokesman for University Hospitals Coventry
and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said: "Dr Mattu was
given the results of our inquiries at the meeting in May
and we have been waiting for his response since then.
"He has had a written copy of the allegations
against him and the names of those people who have made
them. "There is an agreed process to follow for
these situations which conforms to national guidelines
and has been agreed by the medical body and as part of
that, at this stage, he is not due to receive detailed
statements. "This is still a preliminary inquiry."
