When two surgeons were suspended from Cavan General Hospital in August 2003 it was "common knowledge" that there were difficulties in the surgical department, the CEO of the North Eastern Health Board told the High Court yesterday.
Different consultancy firms which had looked into matters at the hospital had referred to interpersonal difficulties within the department, and had described the situation there as "volatile" and "dangerous", Mr Paul Robinson said.
He was being cross-examined on the second day of proceedings brought by one of the suspended surgeons, Dr Pawan K. Rajpal, against Mr Robinson, the NEHB and the Minister for Health and Children. The action concluded yesterday, and Mr Justice Kearns reserved judgment.
Mr Robinson agreed that, when suspending Dr Rajpal, his order contained no proposal to remove Dr Rajpal. Lawyers for Dr Rajpal claim the Health Act 1970 requires that there be such a proposal before the Minister may appoint a committee to consider that proposal.
Mr Pat Hanratty SC, for Dr Rajpal, said the suspension without pay last August of Dr Rajpal was not in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act and was also in breach of fair procedures.
In his High Court proceedings, Dr Rajpal is seeking orders quashing his suspension and the Minister's decision to appoint a committee to inquire into an alleged proposal to remove him.
