Two high-profile surgeons who have been controversially suspended from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary have been told to stay away from the hospital for at least another four weeks.
Dr Wendy Craig and Professor Zygmunt Krukowksi were told this week that their suspensions would be extended until the end of this month.
They were suspended at the end of May following an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment of colleagues.
That triggered a campaign led by more than 20 senior medics – both serving and retired – who called for their immediate reinstatement amid claims they were targeted for whistleblowing.
Professor Krukowski, who acts as the Queen’s Surgeon in Scotland, and Dr Craig both work in general surgery at the flagship hospital, where they specialise in thyroid disorders, including cancer.
NHS Grampian is working to find locums to cover patients lists of the pair with medics also being called in from other hospitals across Scotland.
Last night, Professor Jamie Weir, chairman of Aberdeen-based patient lobby group PACT and retired ARI consultant,said: “It is a real shame for all concerned that a further month’s extension of suspension for both these surgeons has been made. Not only will it add to their distress but their patients will also be denied their expertise during this time.
“It is to be hoped and indeed expected, that NHSG will have put in place sufficient personnel with the required levels of skill to fulfil the patients needs; a somewhat daunting task particularly given the vast experience of the Queen’s surgeon.”
The pair have also been referred to the General Medical Council following a review of general surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons England.
This report raised concerns about poor team working and the behaviour of surgeons in general surgery although the full detail has been blocked from publication.
However, supporters of the two claim that suspension is disproportionate given that no patients have been harmed.
One source said: “It really seems incredible given the cost to patient care and the financial costs to the service that NHS Grampian is keeping consultants suspended when every other health board seems to be move away from this as a way of managing all but the most serious patient care issues.”
NHS Grampian said it could not comment on the suspensions.
Lewis Macdonald MSP (Labour, North East) last night repeated calls for the Royal College of Surgeons report to be published in full so the background issues to the suspensions could come to light.