A SURGEON sacked after an affair with a patient has been referred to the General Medical Council's (GMC) professional conduct committee, it was confirmed last night.
Consultant gynaecologist Neil Hebblethwaite, who is trying to win back his old job at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, will have to explain his actions to members of the GMC at a public hearing in London.
If he loses his case, he could be struck off the medical register.
Mr Hebblethwaite, 44, became the second consultant gynaecologist to leave the North Yorkshire trust under a cloud. This week, it emerged he had taken up his right to an appeal.
A review panel consisting of an external senior doctor, a legal representative and a member of the trust board will consider the appeal shortly.
Mr Hebblethwaite's former colleague at the Friarage, Richard Neale, achieved national notoriety in the summer, when he was struck off the medical register for botching a string of operations
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