PATIENTS have slammed a decision to allow a breast surgeon they accuse of "botching" operations to continue working in the NHS.
Puvaneswary Markandoo was suspended from her £122,000-a-year job at Barnsley Hospital on full pay when compensation claims were launched by more than 30 women, many of them cancer sufferers.
The General Medical Council found her deficient in 11 ar
eas, including basic surgery, and banned her working privately.
But she can continue to practise at Barnsley Hospital, with conditions.
Ex-patient Diane Greenman was operated on seven times by Miss Markandoo after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Diane, aged 53, of Tuxford Crescent, Cundy Cross, still returns for check-ups and says it would be 'unthinkable' if she came face-to-face with the surgeon again.
She added: "What does someone have to do to be struck off? It's absolutely unbelievable. I can't see how she can return to Barnsley when there are 30 women who have suffered problems still going back for check-ups.
"I wouldn't want to meet her again. This has changed my life forever."
The hospital has paid thousands in compensation to two women so far.
One of them, Mary Jolly, 56, of Wombwell, said: "The fact she's been banned from carrying out private work, but can still perform NHS surgeries, is just appalling. It makes it sound like NHS patients don't count at all.
"I can't have anything more done because my circulation was compromised by the operations, so I'm stuck with a prosthesis for the rest of my life when I should never have had to use one in the first place.
"I just can't believe she's effectively got off with a bit of a telling off. It's an absolute disgrace."
Raleys solicitor Michelle Gyte said she was shocked and angered by the decision.
Michelle, who is representing 12 patients affected by the botched surgeries, said her clients were distraught.
"At the very least they expected the person responsible to be held to account," she said.
Chief executive of the Trust, Sandra Taylor, said: "We are aware of the GMC ruling and the undertakings given by Miss Markandoo. These matters are now subject to legal discussions."
A GMC spokeswoman said Miss Markandoo could still face a fitness to practise hearing, but she refused to discuss details because of confidentiality rules.
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