A hospital trust is considering whether to reinstate a pioneering breast surgeon who was suspended two years ago amid accusations of negligence.

The NHS Trust which runs Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, is deciding the fate of breast cancer specialist Briony Ackroyd.

The General Medical Council cleared Miss Ackroyd of allegations she was misleading patients about the risks of surgery.

It has now recommended she return to work immediately, under supervision for a year.

Briony should definitely be reappointed

Eileen Tilley Briony Ackroyd Support Group

Former patients are calling for her reinstatement and the trust must decide whether she returns to work or faces a disciplinary panel.

Miss Ackroyd was only a handful of surgeons in the UK who carried out radical reconstructive breast surgery at the same time as a mastectomy.

Supporters of the combined approach say it reduces the trauma for breast cancer patients by avoiding a gap between losing a breast and having reconstruction.

Miss Ackroyd was suspended in February 2000 amid accusations of clinical negligence, but was cleared by the General Medical Council following an inquiry.

Patient safety

The watchdog recommended that she return to work immediately and be monitored for 12 months by a colleague to ensure her performance in 12 areas was up to scratch.

In a recent letter to the trust, the GMC has repeated its stance.

John Richardson, head of communications for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, which runs Walsgrave, said: "We can confirm that we are actively considering the GMC's recent letter.

Reconstruction uses muscle from the stomach or back

"In reaching all decisions in relation to this case the trust board and its officers have regarded and will continue to regard patient safety and the public interest as the paramount consideration."

Eileen Tilley, a former private patient of Miss Ackroyd's, said the surgeon should be reinstated given the latest decision by the hospital.

Mrs Tilley, who leads the Briony Ackroyd Support Group, added: "Briony should definitely be reappointed.

"She would be happy to work alongside another surgeon for 12 months, for her own safety as much as the patients, as she hasn't performed surgery for the past two years."