A CONSULTANT has been called before a disciplinary hearing to answer claims that he failed an ovarian cancer patient.

Dr Kee Vui Chai, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Royal Bolton Hospital since 1993, has so far admitted, and the panel has proved, that he performed surgery causing injury or trauma to the patient’s bowel. He later also did not realise that the cancer had spread, failing to refer the patient to a specialist, the panel heard.

Before this, the GMC was also told that Dr Chia also did not discuss risks and complication of surgery, get signed consent, carry out a proper pre-operative consultation and discuss and record information properly.

During surgery he damaged the bowel, but the council heard this was not spotted or repaired and notes on the operation were inadequate.

When tests showed the cancer had advanced, this was not identified and the woman was not referred on for specialist treatment.

Again record keeping was not up to standard.

The panel heard that at a later consultation, the progress of the condition was again not identified and acted on, with poor notes made.

A specialist was not consulted and clinical standards of care were not met.

Dr Chia is before the General Medical Council’s fitness to practise panel for a case of impairment by reason of misconduct.

The hearing at St James’s Buildings, Manchester.