Doctor had 'no formal training' in end-of-life care

An inquest into the deaths of four men at Peterborough City Hospital has heard that a leading anaesthetist had no formal training in end-of-life care.

Dr Andrew Gregg told the coroner that his experience of such procedures was based on watching other consultants.

The inquest is looking at the circumstances surrounding the deaths of John Hunt, 67, Ashley Gogerly, 57, Robert Mackay, 55, and Simon Scott, 41.

Dr Gregg will continue giving evidence this afternoon.

The inquest has heard how Mr Scott and Mr Gogerley both died after their life support was withdrawn under the instruction of Dr Gregg.

The family of Mr Scott have previously told the coroner that it was a "total shock" when they learned about plans to withdraw his care.

Dr Gregg was working as a consultant anaesthetist at the hospital at the time of their deaths.

He began his evidence by offering his condolences to the family of Mr Scott, who were in court.

He went on to tell Peterborough Coroner's Court that when it came to end-of-life procedures, he had had "apprentice-style" training.

"In terms of my experience in relation to end-of-life procedures, I’ve received no formal training.

"My training has been based on watching other consultants."

But Dr Gregg told the inquest he didn't believe there needed to be formal training in this area.

The now-retired doctor said he did not remember if he had seen a handout from the General Medical Council entitled Treatment and Care Towards the End of Life before 2013 – the year Mr Gogerly died.

During his time at the hospital, Dr Gregg was in charge of new trainees who he said received "apprentice-style training" when it came to end-of-life care.

He went on to work at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, but retired in April this year.

The inquest continues.

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