Mother backs inquiry call into former doctor

Consultant obstetrician Kenneth Jones, known as Rob, is facing an investigation by the Royal Cornwall Hospital following concerns raised by staff.

As a result, 1,574 gynaecological patients treated by Dr Jones over the last two-and-a-half years have been contacted by the hospital.

Dr Jones, who helped to deliver Prime Minister David Cameron’s daughter Florence Rose Endellion in August 2010, is no longer on the General Medical Council medical register and left the hospital’s employment this summer.

Now Sandra Cousins, whose daughter Mercedes Curnow, 23, died a year ago from cervical cancer after it was diagnosed too late, is supporting calls for an independent inquiry.

She said: “It is appalling that so many women have potentially been put in danger and it is vital any women who were treated by Rob Jones call the hotline number that has been set up immediately.”

After the death of her daughter, Mrs Cousins, from Crowlas near Penzance, set up the Mercedes Curnow Foundation to campaign for the early detection of cervical cancer.

“I know only too well the huge risks women face if cervical cancer is left undetected and untreated and it sickens me that in this day and age, when the technology is there to help women beat the disease, that many are battling for their lives unnecessarily,” she said.

“I’m determined Mercedes’ death will not be in vain and have set up the foundation to teach women the symptoms of cervical cancer and the importance of getting checked. This is why I am backing Irwin Mitchell’s call for a public inquiry.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has a team of lawyers acting in relation to the case of Mr Jones and is urging anyone with concerns to contact its helpline.

Julie Lewis, a partner and medical law expert at the solicitors, said: “We are deeply concerned to hear that over 1,500 women could be potentially affected after being treated by Dr Rob Jones and urge anyone affected to call the help line number as soon as possible so they can be given further treatment if necessary.”

The helpline is 0800 180 4514.