Supervision order lets ‘deficient’ surgeon back to work

The General Medical Council found trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Toby Branfoot’s fitness to practise was impaired in the wake of complaints about his treatment of a number of patients in Leeds.

He has agreed a series of 17 undertakings to improve his practice after experts pinpointed seven areas where he was deficient. The GMC decided he could work again under strict supervision and lifted a suspension on his working imposed last March.

Hospital chiefs in Leeds say he will not return immediately as an internal inquiry into his work has not been completed. He has not operated since concerns were raised by colleagues in December 2008.

Last night, one patient Simon Aitcheson, 22, of Oakenshaw, Bradford, said he was surprised by the GMC’s decision. He had his lower left leg amputated in December 2008 after catastrophic complications developed following an operation six months before.

He said he was aware of other cases but his was the worst. His solicitors Irwin Mitchell expect to agree compensation shortly after the hospital admitted liability.

The GMC said Mr Branfoot had carried out a performance assessment and had agreed a series of undertakings.

The areas where he was deficient included providing or arranging treatment; working within the limits of his competence; assessment of patients’ conditions; record keeping; relationships with colleagues, GPs and team working; and constructive involvement in audit and assessment.

He will be unable to carry out surgery unless directly supervised by an orthopaedic surgeon and must keep a log of each case before being reassessed at a later date.

A Leeds NHS trust spokesman said he could now work “subject to a comprehensive set of conditions”.

“However, under an agreement reached between this trust and Mr Branfoot in 2008 he has voluntarily ceased clinical practice and this agreement remains in place,” he added.

“An internal investigation by the trust into Mr Branfoot’s practice is still under way and is expected to conclude shortly.”

The Medical Defence Union, which represents Mr Branfoot, said he did not wish to comment.