A hospital doctor accused of sex attacks who was allowed back to work is facing a misconduct hearing over alleged indecency.

Anaesthetist Dr Chandrakant Ganatra was suspended for nearly 14 months on fully pay after allegations came to light in January 2000.

It was alleged that the experienced doctor assaulted women patients he was anaesthetising before surgery at Durham's Dryburn Hospital and Shotley Bridge Hospital.

But after an investigation by hospital bosses Dr Ganatra was allowed to resume his duties at the two hospitals in September 2000.

On Monday October 28th Dr Ganatra is due to appear before the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Medical Council in London.

The anaesthetist faces allegations that in respect to five patients he behaved "inappropriately, indecently and showed disregard for the patients' privacy."

It is also alleged that Dr Ganatra, who is in his early 50s, failed to obtain consent to administer general anaesthetic to one of his patients.

Back in September 2000 a spokeswoman for North Durham Health Care said: "Disciplinary action has been taken against Dr Ganatra following staff complaints. We cannot discuss the nature of this action for confidentiality reasons, but can confirm he will be returning to work soon. The trust carried out a thorough investigation into the allegations and is satisfied patient care will not be compromised."

During the summer of 1999 Durham police carried out an investigation into indecency allegations made by staff at Dryburn and Shotley Bridge Hospitals.

A police spokesman at the time confirmed that a man was arrested, interviewed and released on police bail and a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The case was dropped two years ago after the CPS recommended no further action against the unnamed man.

A spokeswoman for the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that Dr Ganetra had worked at the former Dryburn Hospital (now University Hospital of North Durham) and Shotley Bridge Hospital since 1985.

"As this matter is before the General Medical Council it would be inappropriate to make any further comment," she added.