A GP facing six allegations of poor professional performance failed to diagnose a hernia in a man who died two days later, a Medical Council fitness-to-practise inquiry was told yesterday.
Dr Anthony Enobo Akpekpe (52), from Laois, who worked for GP locum service Doctors on Duty in Dublin, visited Patrick Lowe (74) at his home in Monkstown, Co Dublin on September 13th, 2010 and diagnosed a tummy bug.
Mr Lowe, who had been vomiting and had cramps, died on September 15th. An autopsy showed his death was caused by inhaling bowel contents after vomiting because a hernia had obstructed his bowel.
Mr Lowe had suffered cognitive impairment, impaired mobility and blindness after a fall in 1999 and had lived with his sister and carer Elizabeth Lowe since 2003.
JP McDowell, for the Medical Council, said allegations included that Dr Akpekpe had failed to carry out adequate examination, arrange investigations or obtain an adequate medical history for Mr Lowe. He also failed to adequately communicate with Mr Lowe’s sister or to adequately identify himself to Ms Lowe.
Ross Maguire SC, for Dr Akpekpe, said his client, who qualified in Nigeria, denied the allegations.The hearing continues.
