Women seen over Royal Cornwall Hospital surgeon concerns

Seven clinics run by the Royal Cornwall Hospital have been attended by 42 women

More than 40 women have been seen in specialist clinics following a review into the work of a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who was suspended at Cornwall's main hospital.

The 42 women had been patients of Rob Jones, a report to the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) board said.

Mr Jones, who has retired and taken his name off the medical register, said he had been a caring doctor.

A review ordered by the RCHT is due to report back by the end of the year.

Patient hotline

Mr Jones, who delivered Prime Minister David Cameron's youngest child, Florence, worked at the trust for 20 years before being suspended in May.

The RCHT revealed earlier this month that there had been eight reviews into his work over 12 years.

A report from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in May contained a number of serious concerns about Mr Jones.

It said it was concerned about the frequency of surgical complications during his procedures, and said he did not adhere to guidelines and did not write adequate notes.

Mr Jones delivered Florence Cameron in 2010

The RCHT sent out 1,500 letters to patients who had been seen by him over a two-and-a-half year period.

In a meeting to be held on Thursday, the trust board will hear that more than 210 women have contacted an information line set up on 7 November to take calls from Mr Jones's patients.

The trust's chief executive, Lezli Boswell, said that by 18 November, 183 women who contacted the helpline had been called back by a specialist nurse.

Seven special clinics were then attended by the 42 women.

Mr Jones maintains he was a caring doctor throughout his career and followed national protocols.

He and the Medical Defence Union, which is representing him, declined to comment further on the grounds of patient confidentiality.

The RCHT has ordered an external review into how it handled the situation. Its report is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

A hotline for concerned patients - 0800 1804514 - is open from 09:30 to 16:30 on weekdays.