Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Patients harmed over a period of 10 years by an Ear, Nose and Throat consultant in Ysbyty Gwynedd, North Wales, have voiced their disgust that, during the disciplinary hearing which led to him being struck off, there was no mention of previous cases which had caused concern and led to an earlier suspension.

In the first of a new series on Monday 15 March, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Cymru Wales' current affairs programme Taro Naw speaks to some of those patients who reveal that while they accept that it would not have affected the final outcome, acknowledgment of their cases would have given recognition to their suffering.

Taro Naw first investigated Dr Mohammed Bahaa Madkour eight years ago, after being contacted by a patient claiming that she had been permanently maimed by him. Taro Naw then spoke to several consultants who'd worked with Dr Madkour and who privately expressed their concern at his competence to practice. Patients who had received out-of-court settlements also came forward.

In September 2009, following the death of a patient, Dr Mohammed Bahaa Madkour was found guilty of faking patient records and of lying. A total of 18 cases of misconduct were found against him when he failed to spot throat cancer in a patient.

Over a period of 10 years, a number of his previous patients have received out-of-court settlements, but the Health Trust which employed Dr Madkour did not admit liability for the injuries caused.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Trust stated last year that at the time Mr Madkour was struck off no one else had been harmed, but they did not rule out that other patients during his time as an ENT surgeon at Ysbyty Gwynedd could have been injured.

During the GMC panel of inquiry, no evidence of previous patient injury was put forward and indeed his barrister spoke of his "unblemished record".

Leading medical negligence barrister Rachel Vasmer told Taro Naw that Trusts don't have to reveal evidence of previous incidents or settlements unless they have gone before the GMC.

Carol Frazer, who received an out-of-court settlement following a mastoidectomy, told the programme: "My life was ruined after the operation in 1994. My face was paralysed down one side and my daughter was frightened of me."

Eirian Stanley, another former patient of Mr Madkour, said that she was shocked when she saw her face in a mirror after undergoing an operation on her ear: "I could not believe what I saw – my mouth was drooping."

MW