Inquiry finds obstetrician guilty of poor professional performance

A Medical Council inquiry has found Dr Andrea Hermann guilty of poor professional performance on 17 counts and professional misconduct on three counts. Dr Hermann, who worked as an obstetric and gynaecology registrar at Sligo General Hospital during 2013 and 2014, was found to have provided substandard care to six mothers between August 2013 and February 2014. The inquiry identified failures including an abnormal wound incision during a caesarean section, failure to obtain informed consent for a procedure on a patient from Carrick-on-Shannon, and inadequate surgical technique during uterine closure. The inquiry also heard evidence that Dr Hermann prescribed an anticoagulant to a patient at heightened risk of heavy bleeding. Additionally, Dr Hermann was found guilty of failing to disclose conditions imposed on her registration by the Medical Council, which required retraining and supervision. The inquiry chair noted a "serious lack of candour" regarding her status with the Council. The report now proceeds to the full Medical Council to determine any sanctions.