A FORMER Army fitness instructor who claims he was operated on without his permission has reported a surgeon to the General Medical Council.

Raymond Allan, 73, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, claims his life has been ruined after surgery at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. He said he has urinary incontinence and can barely walk.

Mr Allan, a father-of-two and former railway worker, said: "I have fallen downstairs at home twice and I have been picked up off the ground in town. It is humiliating."

Two years ago, he was referred to The Friarage with a suspected hernia after he complained to his GP about pains in his groin. He was operated on by general surgeon Robert Bryan.

Mr Allan is alleging misdiagnosis of his condition and unauthorised surgery.

Documents shown to The Northern Echo confirmed that the complaint against Mr Bryan has been referred to the GMC's preliminary proceedings committee.

Bruce Skilbeck, chief executive of Northallerton Health Services NHS Trust, which runs the Friarage Hospital, said: "We can't really say very much at this stage but we are aware of the complaint."

He confirmed that the GMC referral had reached the preliminary proceeding committee stage.

Mr Bryan said he was unable to comment on the case because of patient confidentiality rules.