Doctor on Death Charge
Apr 27 2001
by Neil McKay, The Journal
A surgeon has been charged with the manslaughter of a 20-year-old disabled man who died following a routine operation more than three years ago.
Dr Pravin Chaturabi Patel is due to appear before magistrates in Chester-le- Street on Monday, charged with the manslaughter of Andrew Ryan, of Pilgrim's Way, Gilesgate, Durham City.
Andrew, who was wheelchair-bound and suffered from muscular dystrophy, died following a routine 15-minute circumcision at Shotley Bridge Hospital, Consett, County Durham, in July 1997.
Yesterday detectives formally charged Dr Patel when he kept a pre- arranged appointment at Harrow-on-the-Hill police station, Middlesex, to answer bail.
Last night Durham Constabulary issued a statement saying: "A consultant surgeon was today charged with manslaughter at the conclusion of a long- running police investigation into the death of a patient at Shotley Bridge Hospital.
"Dr Pravin Chaturabi Patel, 51, of Kenton Road, Harrow, Middlesex, was charged with the manslaughter of Andrew Ryan.
"Andrew died following a routine operation in July 1997. At the time Dr Patel was a locum consultant surgeon at Shotley Bridge.
"He was bailed to appear before Chester-le-Street magistrates on Monday, April 30, at 1.30pm."
Andrew lived with his parents in Durham City, who were not prepared to comment last night.
http://www.cirp.org/news/newcastlejournal04-27-01/