A Sidcup-based gynaecologist who is being investigated over his treatment of 66 patients will return to work at Kings College Hospital.

Rod Irvine worked in hospitals across Kent and south east London but in 2013 News Shopper revealed that his treatment of 66 women is under scrutiny due, in part, to allegations that he may have removed the wrong organs and performed operations unnecessarily.

However, Mr Irvine will return to work at the Denmark Hill centre as a Consultant Colposcopist later this month.

KCH have described the role as 'a diagnostic procedure to identify if there are abnormal cells on or in a woman’s cervix or vagina.'

They also say: "It is a specific, defined area of clinical practice and is a very much more limited role than the one previously held by Mr Irvine."

News Shopper:

Rod Irvine

The large majority of the consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist’s theatre procedures were carried out at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup but he also worked at the Princess Royal Hospital in Bromley and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich.

His website, which has now been taken offline, says he also practised at Blackheath Hospital, Chelsfield Park Hospital in Orpington and Fawkham Manor Hospital in Longfield.

In November last year Mr Irvine was banned from working for the trust before a sample review of 255 patients was carried out.

The General Medical Council (GMC) have confirmed an investigation into Mr Irvine's fitness to practice is ongoing.

He has also had 12 conditions placed on his medical licence.

A support group for alleged victims of Mr Irvine, VOICES, has been set up.

News Shopper:

Kings College Hospital in Denmark Hill

A spokesman for KCH said: "Patient safety is our number one priority, and always will be.

"South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) started reviews of Mr Irvine’s practice during 2013. We completed these reviews after taking over management of the Princess Royal University Hospital when SLHT was dissolved. During this time, Mr Irvine has not worked at any of our hospitals in any capacity.

"Mr Irvine will return to work at King’s College Hospital (Denmark Hill) as a Consultant Colposcopist later this month. Having completed the reviews, we are confident that it is safe for Mr Irvine to work at King’s in this limited area of practice.

"He will work under supervision for a period of re-training and, subject to satisfactory performance, will continue in this specific role at the Trust."

Having now agreed for Mr Irvine to return to work, we have written to key stakeholders – including VOICES – outlining the reasons for our decision, and re-iterating our commitment to patient safety.

The group can be contacted via email at info@voices58.co.uk or online: VOICES58.co.uk