A GYNAECOLOGIST from the North-East has been suspended by the General Medical Council, just days after a former colleague was struck off.

Dr Peter Silverstone of Elmfield Park, Newcastle, who used to work at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, has had an interim suspension order placed on him by the GMC's interim committee, in the interests of public safety.

Dr Silverstone, a gynaecology and obstetrics specialist, is not practising at present, but is understood to have worked at the Gateshead hospital.

No details of the accusations against him were given by GMC officials.

The order does not amount to a finding of fact, but has been imposed to protect the public, pending a full investigation.

Last week, his former colleague, Dr Janusz Wszeborowski, 67, was struck off for serious professional misconduct. During the GMC hearing, the doctor was found to have used "undue force" while delivering three babies.

Karen Straughair, acting chief executive at Gateshead Health NHS Trust, said in a statement last night: "Peter Silverstone retired from his post as consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1994. Gateshead Heath NHS Trust has not been approached by the General Medical Council about Mr Silverstone and is unaware of any action being taken.