THE Queen’s former surgeon is among eight senior doctors cleared of wrongdoing after a series of investigations by NHS watchdogs which could have cost more than £5 million.
Professor Zygmunt Krukowski was among the doctors suspended from his job during an internal probe into his conduct at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
His colleague Dr Wendy Craig was also suspended and placed under investigation. She resigned shortly afterwards and is now believed to be working in the north-east of England.
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The suspended surgeons felt that their efforts to raise their own dignity-at-work concerns had been stifled.
The cost of paying the consultant salaries, legal payouts and hiring locum doctors during the investigation, which has lasted almost two years, could cost the health board at least £5m.
A source said the investigations had impacted upon the running of services, adding: “Ultimately, this is wasting millions which should be directed towards improved patient care. Instead, specialities are left uncovered with procedures carried out haphazardly by those not previously practising or fully trained in areas.”
Mr Krukowski, 67, specialised in thyroid disorders, including cancer, and was responsible for the team of medics in charge of caring for the Royal Family when they fell ill while on holiday at Balmoral. He and Ms Craig were suspended from their duties at the city’s main hospital after raising concerns following dignity-at-work reviews which sets out conditions for employees.
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An investigation was also launched by the General Medical Council after damning reports on the hospital and other hospitals across the NHS Grampian region were published in December 2014.
One of the reviews, carried out by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, conducted a review of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and also an unannounced inspection of services for older people in acute hospitals in NHS Grampian.
A separate examination by the Royal College of Surgeons looked at general surgery.
The GMC investigation was triggered by one of the reports which identified issues in the management of the busy hospital, which was having an impact on patient safety and care.
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Low morale was reported, as well as the unprofessional behaviour of medical staff coupled with poor relationships between senior staff and management.
NHS Grampian chief executive Richard Carey took early retirement shortly before the reports were published and Bill Howatson also stepped down from his role as chairman.
NHS Grampian said: “We have a duty to work with and support the professional bodies that regulate staff across NHS Grampian. The GMC makes the decision whether or not to investigate any individual doctor.
“NHS Grampian did not refer any surgeons to the GMC. So, any comment about any GMC action can only come from the GMC.
“We are confident in our general surgery team and we are looking to the future, maintaining the quality of surgical services.”
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the General Medical Council, said: “This was a complex investigation, made more so by the requirement to seek responses and advice from a range of experts and advisers, while respecting the administrative processes of other bodies which some doctors were engaged with.”
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