REDBRIDGE: Controversial doctor returns to work (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

A doctor in Redbridge who botched numerous operations is allowed to return to work

3:22pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Sarah May Hayes

A DOCTOR who was suspended following the deaths of two patients has been told he can return to work.

Dr Gideon Lauffer was suspended after a man died following a hernia surgery at King George Hospital in Redbridge in 2007.

One patient died after Mr Lauffer perforated his bowel during a routine gall bladder operation, while another patient lost a testicle after the surgeon botched the operation.

Dr Lauffer was also found to have assisted in a bowel operation at Spire Roding Hospital in Redbridge in March 2008, while he was banned from doing so.

He was suspended for six months in 2010 so the General Medical Centre (GMC) could review his case. They told him at the time that his “actions and omissions were generally inappropriate, not in the best interests of patients and not of a standard to be expected of a registered medical practitioner.”

In January 2011 the GMC found that Mr Luaffer was still unable to practice without supervision, and was sent to work as a junior doctor at Accident and Emergency at St Thomas’ Hospital, with restrictions on his registration for 12 months.

Now the GMC have decided that he is capable of practicing without restrictions after receiving recommendations from his supervisor and colleagues that he had been “exemplary” while at St Thomas’ and had also been attending courses to broaden his medical knowledge.

Dr Nicola Drake, Emergency Department Clinical Lead, said in a letter dated February 2: “Mr Lauffer always asked appropriate questions, never once overstepping the limits of his competencies.

“He has been contrite and humble and has handled queries about his background from his work colleagues with honesty and insight. Mr Lauffer has been an excellent doctor who has performed very well during his time with us.”

At a Fitness to Practice Panel on Monday (February 7) the GMC reinstated Mr Lauffer’s right to practice. They said: “The evidence the GMC Panel has heard and read is that your performance over the last six months has been exemplary and that there have been no concerns at all about your clinical practice or your honesty and integrity.

“You have clearly impressed those you have worked with, and you have impressed this Panel with your tenacity to get back to work and remedy your failings.

“Having considered all the matters before it, including the public interest, the Panel has determined that your fitness to practise is no longer impaired by reason of your misconduct.

“The Panel has also determined to revoke the conditions on your registration with immediate effect.”