Police review 42 cases involving ex-gynaecologist

Police have reviewed the cases for 42 patients in an investigation into a former Royal Derby Hospital doctor.

Derbyshire Police said 15 detectives had also spoken to 91 witnesses and compiled 1,000 documents in connection with Daniel Hay, formerly a doctor specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.

A two-year investigation had been conducted by the NHS into the cases of 383 women, with an interim report finding "major concern" that 50 women were likely to have been harmed and "some concern" that 69 further women had been harmed.

The criminal investigation into the conduct of Mr Hay, 60, from near Alfreton in Derbyshire, has been ongoing since September 2022.

A police spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "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.

"In consultation with colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) complex case unit, seven cases have been submitted to an independent gynaecological expert for review.

"The results of these have now been received and the findings are being considered in conjunction with the CPS."

Mr Hay has not been charged with any crime, said the force.

The LDRS understands the investigation focuses on women who had major surgeries such as hysterectomies or sterilisation.

Mr Hay is alleged to have frequently not provided alternative options to surgeries.

An NHS England report into Mr Hay's practice between 2015 and 2018 was completed in September 2022, but has been withheld pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

A review of governance at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), Mr Hay's employer at the time, has also been withheld.

An interim NHS report in May 2021 showed evidence of a "surgery-first" approach, with a frequent absence of documentation about other medical treatments being considered.

The report said Mr Hay often failed to explain the consequences of operations and suggested a wider timescale review may be required alongside a review from the trust into how concerns around Mr Hay "have gone undetected till recently".

Mr Hay stopped clinical activity at UHDB in June 2018, with his colleagues raising concerns in late 2018, but did participate in "a small number of curriculum-based, classroom sessions" at the Royal Derby up to February 2019.

He relinquished his medical licence in July 2021, having retired citing mental health concerns in July 2020.

The Medical Defence Union, on Mr Hay's behalf, said he "has no comment to make" at this time.

In July 2021, Mr Hay said: "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 said it did not wish to comment while a police investigation was ongoing.

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