Gynaecologist under police investigation dies
FacebookA former NHS gynaecologist who was being investigated over allegations he carried out procedures on women without their consent has died.
A report released in 2025 found Daniel Hay's risky practices and shortcuts had contributed to women suffering physical harm.
Derbyshire Police launched an investigation and dismissed six complaints in January, but stated no decision had been made on 30 remaining cases.
A force spokesperson confirmed Hay died of natural causes in hospital and added: "The force is now reviewing what this latest development means for the investigation moving forwards."
Hay, who had been interviewed under caution in March last year, joined University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) in 2005.
He had operated on hundreds of women before he retired in 2020 due to ill health.
The report, which had been commissioned by the Gynaecology Review Steering Group, scrutinised his care between 2015 and 2018.
It followed concerns raised by colleagues and found failings in his practices, how he was managed, and added that only "good fortune prevented further harm".
It added that his consent process was poor, his record-keeping inadequate, and he was often dismissive with patients.
Issues it identified included women who had undergone a hysterectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the womb – some of whom felt it was their only option, despite less invasive options being potentially available.
In total, the report scrutinised 325 women who were under his care.
Of these, 48 cases were rated red – for major concerns - 68 were amber for some concerns, and 209 were green, where no concerns were identified.
Police spoke to Hay about procedures carried out at Royal Derby Hospital and Ripley Hospital.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police added: "We will continue to keep in contact with all those involved as the review continues."
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