Surgeon 'covered up patient deaths'

A surgeon killed two women patients through gross negligence in operations, the Old Bailey was told today. Stephen Walker then stole or removed the theatre operations register needed to investigate his actions, the jury heard. This was found in his loft by police seven years later.

One of Walker's alleged victims had enjoyed "an active and healthy life" before her fatal operation.

Jean Robinson, 66, was referred to Walker, consultant general surgeon at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, for a noncancerous colon growth.

He performed surgery which "should never have taken place," said Rebecca Poulet QC, prosecuting.

She said Walker perforated Mrs Robinson's bowel, necessitating an emergency operation.

She went into intensive care and died three weeks later.

His second alleged victim was 71- year- old Dorothy McPhee, who died after a severe haemorrhage in an operation he carried out.

Mrs Poulet said the two women died unlawfully "as a result of the grossly negligent treatment they received at the hands of Walker".

Walker, 47 from Camberley, Surrey, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of manslaughter through gross negligence in operations in 1995.

He has also pleaded not guilty to intending to pervert the course of justice and denies stealing the register.

The case continues.