Hospital ‘failed to check qualifications of doctors’

uterus. It went well and she was placed in Dr Azeez’s care from 12.20pm. He was to bring her out of the general anaesthetic.

But over the next four hours there were complications and Azeez was assisted by Cornish from about 1pm.

Mrs Cappuccini went into cardiac arrest and died at 4.20pm on October 9.

The prosecution allege it was the care after the operation that was grossly negligent.

Prosecutor John Price QC said: “When she arrived at Tunbridge Wells Hospital the previous evening she had been a healthy young woman.

“Her death was wholly unexpected and avoidable.

He added: “The prosecution allege the two anaesthetists failed in protecting her airway to ensure she recovered from the operation, and that she received adequate ventilation and sufficient air was getting into her lungs.”

The court heard Azeez’s CV showed medical training in Pakistan and it fulfilled the criteria of three years’ experience in anaesthesia. But Mr Price said none of the experience was recognised for training by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Mr Price added Azeez did not hold a Primary FRCA, a qualification indicating a basic level of competence, and claimed he had not been properly supervised at the hospital.

The court heard Cornish, whose home country is South Africa, did not have a UK-recognised postgraduate qualification in anaesthesia.

Cornish, from Bromley, and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust deny the charges.

The trial continues.