It’s time battling Bernie won justice for sister

Chris Carter

THE turn of events at the GMC's fit to practise hearing into the treatment of tragic Carmel Bloom was no surprise to her brother Bernard.

Bernard has been fighting for justice since his beloved sister died following a routine operation at the Bupa Roding in Redbridge in 2002.

He has come up against brick walls throughout those agonising seven years but remained convinced that something was amiss.

Well, now the doctors themselves have admitted as much.

Surgeon John Hines admits he should have realised Carmel had a kidney infection and not ordering various tests which would have confirmed that.

Anaesthetist Paul Timmis has held his hands up to all charges, including not ensuring Carmel was in a fit condition to be transferred to Whipps Cross.

They both deny that their actions have impaired their fitness to practise, even though the GMC barrister is unequivocal in his condemnation of their actions.

Jeremy Donne labels Carmel's treatment "catastrophic" and states clearly that her death was avoidable.

That will provide some solace to Bernard, but it doesn't get away from the fact it is a disgrace it has taken this long before the doctors admitted they made mistakes.

It is equally flabbergasting that both doctors have been allowed to continue practising while it was still unclear what had happened to Carmel.

Without pre-empting the result of the hearing, their admissions alone would suggest they should not be let loose on patients.

The thousands of patients who have been treated at the private hospital have every right to ask questions.

And once again the actions of the GMC are called into question.

It must be time now for the medical body, which has been accused of protecting doctors at the expense of the wellbeing of patients, to be disbanded and a new body set up.