A doctor who worked at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin failed to attend a Medical Council inquiry on Monday to face serious allegations of professional misconduct.

Dr Mihai Anton from Romania is facing 14 serious allegations, including:
-He was unable to write notes in a chart
-He had difficulty putting on a surgical gown and gloves
-He had difficulty scrubbing up for theatre
-He did not understand basic instructions in theatre
-He was not willing to examine some post-operative patients.

Dr Anton was notified about the Medical Council's fitness to practice inquiry, but wrote that he had ‘nothing to declare about my activities in Ireland'. He also said he would never return to Ireland.

Dr Anton was appointed to work as a consultant paediatric surgeon at the children's hospital in January 2013 after submitting a CV and undergoing an interview via telephone.

Speaking at the inquiry, a HR manager at the hospital said that telephone interviews for positions like this are rare, but as Dr Anton was in Romania, this was the method of interview chosen. Interviews at the hospital have since changed to ensure there is a visual interview as well.

Dr Anton was appointed on January 14, however problems arose immediately and he was suspended on January 24. A complaint was made to the Medical Council on January 28. His contract was suspended on March 8.

In a statement, the hospital said that Dr Anton never worked while unsupervised and no patient safety issues had arisen during his time there.

The inquiry continues today.