Patient 'not well enough' to give evidence on doctor

But health campaigners in the Northallerton area of North Yorkshire are confident the woman's decision not to give evidence in person will not affect their case.

Complaints by the woman, who has always asked to remain anonymous, led to the suspension and then sacking of gynaecologist Neil Hebblethwaite a year ago.

After a private disciplinary hearing last year, bosses at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, said they had "no alternative" but to dismiss Mr Hebblethwaite.

It followed allegations of irregularities, including a claim that the consultant had an affair with the woman patient, who lives in North Yorkshire.

However, the consultant was reinstated in April after he successfully appealed against the decision of the Northallerton NHS Trust board.

But he remains suspended until the allegations made by the woman are dealt with by the GMC.

Graham Maloney, a campaigner for patients' rights who has been active in the Hebblethwaite case, said: "She has pulled out for health reasons.

"But it is hoped that with the evidence from the hospital's disciplinary hearing the GMC hearing will go ahead.

"I would argue that there is enough information to pursue the matter."

Mr Maloney, who has taken an active role in the successful campaign to get former Friarage Hospital gynaecologist Richard Neale struck off, said the woman patient was keen to see the matter pursued by the GMC.

Earlier this year, Mr Maloney approached North Yorkshire Police in connection with the allegations.

But last week, the force announced that it would not be taking action against Mr Hebblethwaite, after the Crown Prosecution Service decided that prosecution was not in the public interest.

Mr Maloney is due to meet a senior CPS official next week to discuss the decision.

A file containing the original allegations was passed to the General Medical Council after the trust's disciplinary hearing.