SEVEN years after the death of a women following a routine operation, two doctors involved are finally due to go before a health tribunal.

Bernard Bloom has fought since 2002 to find out the truth about how his sister Carmel died aged 54 after ungoing a routine kidney stone operation at the Bupa (now Spire) Roding Hospital in Clayhall.

Carmel Bloom, of Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green was transferred to Whipps Cross Hospital 11 days after the operation but died of septicaemia.

A third inquest in October 2005 found that she had died as a result of a lack of care at the hospital, but it has taken until now for the doctors involved, John Hines and Paul Timmis, to be ordered before the General Medical Council - which will hold a fitness to practice hearing on their conduct beginning on January 11 next year.

Mr Bloom, of High Road, Chigwell, now hopes to apply for a fresh inquest into Carmel's death after obtaining new evidence about what happened that night.

This includes a tape recording of the emergency call made by staff at the hospital to the London Ambulance Service that evening, which he claims contains several unexplained gaps.

Ilford North MP Lee Scott has also listened to the tape, which he said has only added to the questions about what happened to Carmel.

He said: "This tape recording contains gaps that are very hard to explain.

"I have seen all of the evidence gathered about this by Mr Bloom and there are just so many unanswered questions here.

"We are obviously on to something because I received an anonymous phone call from someone the other day warning me off pursuing this.

"I have subsequently got a phone call from someone giving me new information which has raised even more questions."

Mr Scott has met with Justice Secretary Jack Straw to discuss the case, and is due to meet with him again soon.

Mr Bloom said he has mixed views about the GMC hearing.

He said: "It is simply doctors trying their peers.

"I suppose it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

"I have little faith in the GMC to be honest.

"We will apply to the attorney general for a new inquest in January."

Mr Scott has called on anyone else with information on Carmel's death to contact him, in strict confidentiality, on: 7219 8326 or by email to: scottle@parliament.uk.

A spokesman for London Ambulance Service said: "We have provided Mr Bloom with a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the recording of the 999 emergency call.

"Mr Bloom has since made no further contact with the Service."

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Bupa's medical director said: "We sympathise with Carmel Bloom's family for their tragic loss - however, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on her treatment as we no longer own the hospital concerned."