THE General Medical Council has taken initial steps to investigate a consultant gynaecologist who practised at hospitals in St Albans and Hemel Hempstead following complaints by six patients.

Mrs Anastasia Insley, of Jersey Farm, St Albans, made a formal complaint against Mr Lennox Kane and has been told that her case has been reviewed by a medical member.

In a series of letters sent to her last year the GMC confirmed: "The medical member is of the opinion that this complaint should be the subject of formal action by the General Medical Council."

Mrs Insley made her complaint after problems following a hysterectomy and bladder operation in September 1997.

She underwent another operation in April 1998 and follow-up tests that revealed the need for more operations.

Mr Kane, who works at St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals, is currently on sick leave.

A spokesman for the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Mr Kane has been off sick. The trust is not aware that he is under investigation by the GMC."

Mr Kane is one of 22 doctors currently under investigation in this area according to figures released by watchdog group North West Herts Community Health Council.