Doctor placed on leave due to concerns of colleagues

COLLEAGUES were so concerned about the clinical abilities of a doctor that they questioned whether he was a registered medical practitioner, a disciplinary inquiry heard yesterday.

There were also concerns over whether the doctor was aware of hospital protocols regarding suspected child abuse cases, and that he was ‘aggressive’ with a colleague.

Dr Omar Hassan Khalafalla Mohamed is before an inquiry taking place at the Medical Council headquarters in Dublin, which began on Monday.

Dr Hassan faces a number of allegations relating to events that occurred and care he provided while working as a doctor at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Mayo General Hospital and University Hospital Galway.

Dr Hassan, whose medical registration is suspended, denies the claims.

Yesterday’s proceedings covered Dr Hassan’s time at University Hospital Galway. He was employed as an orthopaedic senior house officer at Galway from 13 January 2014, for six months.

But he was placed on leave on February 21, 2014, following concerns from colleagues over patient safety.

Orthopaedic surgeon John McCabe, of the Galway hospital, told the inquiry that after Dr Hassan’s first night on call, two colleagues were so concerned about his apparent lack of clinical abilities that they consulted the Irish medical register. Mr McCabe also said a colleague raised a concern after a child presented with a fracture which the colleague believed to be non-accidental. The colleague suggested admitting the child, in line with a protocols on suspected child abuse.

Dr Hassan allegedly responded, ‘What does that have to do with us?’

Dr Hassan told the inquiry yesterday that his reply reflected a view that they should treat the child’s physical injury and let social services handle other issues. He is facing allegations of professional misconduct and poor professional performance.