Hospital death inquiry is suspended by injunction

Saturday 15th August 2009, 2:57PM BST.

Consultant gynaecologist John Day

AN investigation into the death of a nurse following a botched operation has been suspended after the surgeon involved in the case claimed that it was unfair.

Consultant gynaecologist John Day is arguing in the Royal Court that an inquiry ordered by senior Health executives into the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth Rourke’s death was not appropriate.

Chief among his concerns is that the man spearheading the review, UK personnel expert Ken Hutchinson, does not have the expertise to consider clinical matters.

As a result of Mr Day’s application, Commissioner Sir Philip Bailhache allowed Mr Day an interim injunction to delay the conclusion of the investigation.

Mr Day has been suspended from duty on full pay for nearly three years since Mrs Rourke died following a routine operation at the General Hospital on 17 October 2006.

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