Police scrutinize 42 patient cases linked to former gynaecologist

Derbyshire Police have examined the cases of 42 patients as part of an ongoing inquiry concerning a former doctor at Royal Derby Hospital. The force indicated that 15 detectives have interviewed 91 witnesses and gathered 1,000 documents pertaining to Daniel Hay, who previously specialized in gynaecology and obstetrics. Separately, the NHS had carried out a two-year investigation into the situations of 383 women. An interim report from this inquiry identified “major concern” regarding the likelihood of harm to 50 women and “some concern” that an additional 69 women had experienced harm. The criminal inquiry into the professional conduct of Mr. Hay, aged 60, who resides near Alfreton in Derbyshire, commenced in September 2022 and remains active. A spokesperson for the police informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that: “The allegations made against Daniel Hay are extremely serious and, with a case of this complexity and size, it takes time for officers to review a vast amount of material to then progress the various lines of enquiry.” Following consultation with counterparts in the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) complex case unit, seven specific cases have been referred to an independent gynaecological expert for assessment. The outcomes of these expert reviews have now been obtained, and their findings are currently under consideration jointly with the CPS. The police force confirmed that Mr. Hay has not yet faced any criminal charges. The LDRS has learned that the investigation primarily concerns women who underwent significant surgical procedures, including hysterectomies or sterilisation. Allegations suggest that Mr. Hay often failed to present alternative treatment options to surgical interventions. An NHS England report examining Mr. Hay’s professional activities from 2015 to 2018 was finalized in September 2022; however, its release has been postponed until the conclusion of the criminal investigation. Similarly, a review of governance procedures at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), which employed Mr. Hay during that period, has also not been released. An interim NHS report from May 2021 indicated a “surgery-first” methodology, characterized by a regular lack of records concerning the consideration of alternative medical treatments. This report stated that Mr. Hay frequently did not clarify the implications of surgical procedures and proposed the necessity of a broader review of the timeline, in addition to an inquiry by the trust into how issues regarding Mr. Hay “have gone undetected till recently.” Mr. Hay ceased clinical practice at UHDB in June 2018, with his colleagues voicing concerns in late 2018. However, he did take part in “a small number of curriculum-based, classroom sessions” at the Royal Derby until February 2019. He surrendered his medical licence in July 2021, having previously retired in July 2020, citing mental health concerns. The Medical Defence Union, representing Mr. Hay, stated that he “has no comment to make” at this juncture. In July 2021, Mr. Hay issued a statement: “I apologise to the women affected by the NHS investigation. I am co-operating with the investigation, however, due to my ongoing mental health issues, I ask that you please respect my privacy at this time.” UHDB indicated that it preferred not to comment while the police investigation is in progress. For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.