Did 400 women suffer at hands of gynaecologist? Concerns raised over consultant who was suspended in 2018 amid probe into concerns raised by colleagues
- Daniel Hay, 55, a former hospital gynaecologist in Derby is being investigated
- The rate of serious complications was ‘higher than would be usually expected’
- As many as 400 women may have suffered ‘unnecessary harm’ during surgery
As many as 400 women may have suffered harm at the hands of a former hospital gynaecologist.
In addition to 272 women contacted about their medical treatment, a further 110 have been approached following concerns raised about Daniel Hay.
Mr Hay, 55, a married father of two, was appointed as a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) in 2005 and was associate professor in medical education at Nottingham University.
He was suspended in 2018 when an inquiry was launched following concerns raised by colleagues.
Daniel Hay, 55, a former hospital gynaecologist at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) is being investigated after as many as 400 women may have suffered ‘unnecessary harm’ during surgery
An initial review of 58 cases prompted the trust to launch a larger investigation into care given to all the patients seen by Mr Hay.
It found that the rate of serious complications was ‘higher than would be usually expected’.
UHDB said in April that at least eight women had been ‘unnecessarily harmed’ during the course of major surgery, including hysterectomies.
One suffered a cut bowel during a hysterectomy. Some cases are said to date back at least 18 years.
Dr Magnus Harrison, UHDB’s executive medical director, apologised ‘to any patients who may have received a standard of care that is below that expected’. He said the trust took immediate action when concerns were raised.
The number of women contacted has grown in recent months. A further 79 were approached in September and letters to another 110 were sent out on Friday.
Former colleagues at Royal Derby Hospital (pictured) raised concerns about the consultant, who carried out major surgeries on women including hysterectomies between 2015 and 2018
The trust said the latest additions to the review were those who had had an outpatient appointment but not a surgical intervention between April 2017 and July 2018 at Ripley Hospital.
Mr Harrison added: ‘As with the review of intermediate surgery, such as a diagnostic test, in September, we are doing this proactively, rather than in response to any specific concerns, so that the review is as thorough as possible. Each of the women have been informed that there are no concerns regarding their current health.’
The trust initially refused to name the consultant under investigation, but Mr Hay confirmed it was him in September. He denied intending to cause the women harm and said he had suffered from mental health problems and had since retired.
Asked if he wanted to apologise to the women involved, he said that he had done so through the hospital. But questioned if he wanted to apologise personally, he replied: ‘Oh yes, absolutely.’