Six complaints against ex-gynaecologist dismissed

Police are to take no further action over six complaints against a former gynaecologist who worked in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Police is conducting an investigation relating to 36 women who had surgeries performed during the 2010s by Daniel Hay. It said no decisions had been made on the remaining 30 cases.

The force said cases relating to six women had been reviewed by an expert medical professional and that information was passed - along with other evidence - to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice.

Following receipt of advice the force said it had decided no further action would be taken due to the cases "not meeting the evidential threshold".

Hay, who is in his 60s and from Alfreton in Derbyshire, was interviewed under caution in March 2025.

He joined the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust in 2005 and operated on hundreds of women before retiring in 2020.

A published report - which scrutinised Hay's care between 2015 and 2018 - was commissioned after concerns were raised by colleagues and found failings in his practices, how he was managed and added only "good fortune prevented further harm".

Police said the six women had been updated and had the option to request a victim's right to review.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The investigation into these allegations is complex, involving large amounts of material and independent specialist medical professionals being consulted.

"While this has meant that inquiries have taken a significant length of time, it is important that these inquiries are undertaken in a diligent and comprehensive way.

"We will continue to engage with those affected as we progress."

The report into Hay's care was commissioned by the Gynaecology Review Steering Group, which included representations from NHS England, UHDB, and the Derby and Derbyshire clinical commissioning group.

Following its publication in September 2025, the NHS trust said it was "truly sorry" to the women who received care "below the standards expected".

In addition to the 325 patients who were asked to share their experiences, 58 women had already been reviewed in an earlier assessment carried out in 2019.

In the report, the steering group panel identified two women as suffering "severe physical harm", with three sustaining "moderate physical harm" under Hay's care.

Among the issues identified were women who had a hysterectomy - a surgical procedure that removes the womb - with some patients made to feel like it was their "only option" when less invasive options may have been available.

This "adversely affected" the mental health of women, who dreamed of starting families but were unable to do so, affecting their relationships and jobs.

Hay has not officially commented on the matter for more than four years.

A statement from Hay in July 2021 said: "I apologise to the women affected by the NHS investigation. I am co-operating with the investigation, however, due to my ongoing mental health issues, I ask that you please respect my privacy at this time."

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