A DOCTOR told a medical tribunal about the efforts made to save a patient from bleeding to death following an operation.

Julian David Mason, aged 38, of Newbury, Berkshire, performed laser surgery on the patient identified only as "WW" at the Royal Bolton Hospital, in Minerva Road, Bolton.

The General Medical Council tribunal has heard an allegation that the woman patient died following an error by Dr Mason during the operation.

Dr Avinash Pahade, who helped during the ill-fated operation told the GMC's Professional Conduct Committee: "While he was lasering he remarked the patient had started bleeding. He carried on using the laser for four to five minutes to try to stop the bleeding but wasn't successful.

"She suffered a quite significant blood loss, about 1.5 litres, in a short space of time. I asked if there was anything we could do, like opening her neck to see where the bleeding was coming from. He said we should keep a close eye on her that night and I didn't pursue it. This had upset me quite a bit."

In fact, the committee has heard, Mr Mason, had damaged the carotid artery.

Dr Pahade said he treated her the next morning for soreness in her throat.

He continued: "That afternoon a nurse came and said the patient had started bleeding quite significantly through her mouth."

The doctor told how he battled to save the woman by pressing a swab into her mouth and compressing her carotid artery.

Despite his efforts and those of the crash team and a senior doctor, patient WW died. Dr Mason resigned following the tragedy.

The tribunal has been told that two patients died and 11 others suffered poor treatment at the hands of Dr Mason while he was laser protection supervisor at in the ENT department of the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He faces 20 allegations including drinking alcohol while on call, botched surgery and bungled use of equipment.

He also faces an allegation that a 70-year-old man died after suffering substantial blood loss following an operation.

The hearing continues.