Fresh move in doctor wrangle - Jan 2 2003
Evening Telegraph
 

The suspension saga of Coventry heart doctor Raj Mattu could soon be resolved, almost a year after he was banned from working at Walsgrave Hospital.

A panel is set to convene to hear evidence on allegations of bullying brought against Dr Mattu by a junior colleague now working in Cardiff.

The panel, made up of a representative from the NHS trust which runs the hospital and two external representatives, will be presented with a report from Walsgrave medical director and case investigator, Dr Michael Harrison.

The report follows months of evidence gathering by both the trust and Dr Mattu. But neither Dr Mattu, nor his union representative, Stephen Campion, have seen the finished document.

Mr Campion, from the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association, said: "I think it is unfortunate that Dr Mattu has not been given the opportunity to see the report."

He said they hoped for a speedy resolution to the case which has dragged on since February 21 when Dr Mattu was suspended on full pay.

A panel meeting, set for mid December was cancelled because of objections to the make-up of the group. Now the trio is acceptable to all parties, a date has still to be set for Dr Harrison to meet with them.

During his suspension Dr Mattu has continued seeing patients at free community clinics. His supporters believe there is a hidden agenda because Dr Mattu has criticised hospital management.

Back to other stories

For more information contact: mail@drmrc.co.uk