THE BROTHER of a woman who died during a routine operation seven years ago said he hopes the truth about her death will finally be revealed when the doctors involved go before a fitness to practise panel next month.

Carmel Bloom, 54, of Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green, died following a kidney operation at the BUPA (now Spire) Roding Hospital in Clayhall in 2002.

The doctors involved - John Hines and Dr Paul Timmis - are due to appear before a GMC Fitness to Practise tribunal on January 11.

The hearing comes after a third inquest held back in October 2005 found that a lack of care at the hospital had contributed to the death of Ms Bloom, of Snakes Lane West, Woodford Green.

Carmel's brother, Bernard, of High Road, Chigwell, said: "We want to learn the truth about what happened to Carmel. We also hope this will stop this happening to anyone else.

"What I can't understand is why the doctors involved have been allowed to continue practising medicine for the past seven years.

"In almost any other profession they would have been suspended until the hearing was held.

"The system should be designed to protect the public, not the other way around."

Mr Hines, a consultant urological surgeon, faces allegations that he did not order appropriate tests and investigations for Ms Bloom before she died and that following her operation, Mr Hines did not ensure she received appropriate care and treatment.

He is also accused of not immediately attending the hospital to further assess her condition.

In addition, it is alleged that Mr Hines' actions that night fell below the standard expected from a reasonably competent consultant urological surgeon, were inappropriate and were not in the best interests of his patient.

Dr Timmis, a consultant anaesthetist, is accused of arranging the transfer of Ms Bloom by ambulance (to Whipps Cross University Hospital) 'without ensuring that her condition was sufficiently stable, without preparing the patient appropriately, without skilled assistance or the means to monitor (her) condition adequately.'

It is also alleged that his actions - or 'omissions' - that night fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent consultant anaesthetist, were inappropriate and were not in his patient's best interests.

The full list of the charges facing the two doctors is available on the GMC website at: gmc-uk.org

A spokeswoman for Spire said: "The hospital team who looked after Mrs Bloom were deeply saddened by her unexpected death, and our thoughts and sympathies continue to go out to her family and friends.

"Until the GMC concludes its investigation and the hearing takes place, both consultants are fully registered to practise by the GMC and continue to do so at Roding Hospital and at their NHS Trust where they provide leadership for some regional services.

"We will await the findings of the GMC hearing later this year with interest."