Doctor attacks MoD 'arrogance'

A senior consultant has accused the Ministry of Defence of disrupting NHS treatment by the unnecessary callup of hospital surgeons to Afghanistan.

Jonathan Tilsed, a consultant surgeon at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, warned that trusts might refuse to release doctors if the MoD did not change its " arrogant" disregard for the disruption it causes.

Mr Tilsed said the callup of 11 doctors to support operations in the Balkans and Afghanistan was "entirely unnecessary". Dr Lewis Moonie, a defence minister, announced the call-up on 19 May after money-saving measures left the Defence Medical Services with an 80per cent shortage of surgeons and anaesthetists.

However, as reporters were last Monday briefed that the bulk of British troops were to withdraw from Afghanistan, seven doctors reported for duty.

Then, as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the withdrawal on Thursday, stating the move followed a pre-determined schedule, the doctors who were due to go to Afghanistan were sent home.

Mr Tilsed said: "This mobilisation was entirely unnecessary. It is inconceivable that this decision was not taken well in advance and the ensuing disruption to the NHS, the doctors and their families could have been avoided.

"The MoD has treated the NHS with contempt and its doctors with indifference."