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Patients, colleagues shocked by ruling

The conviction of Cheung Kai-shuen shocked colleagues and former patients who described him last night as one of the best-known anaesthetists in his field.

But the Medical Council warned that Cheung could face disciplinary action even if his appeal was allowed.

A friend and colleague, obstetrician Dr Macor Wan Chun-wai, said the jail term would mean a 'big loss' to patients. The doctor, who has known Cheung for 10 years and appeared as a defence witness, said: 'It would be very difficult to find a work partner as good as him. I really hope he can win his appeal and return to the profession.'

The mother of a one-year-old boy who hired Cheung to be her anaesthetist last October, said she was shocked. 'I am surprised. To me, he is a very lovely person and a good doctor. He visited me in hospital the day after the birth.'

A surgeon, who refused to be named, said the jail term had shocked the whole profession as Cheung was among the most experienced and renowned anaesthetists in the field.

A classmate of Cheung, who graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1988, said: 'It's a shock to know he's done something like that. As a doctor, I also feel shame. His conviction will damage our professional image. It will take time for the public to regain confidence in us.'

Medical Council chairman Dr Lee Kin-hung feared the public image of doctors would be damaged. He said even if Cheung's appeal were allowed, the council would study the case to decide if a disciplinary hearing was needed. 'We will treat it like a normal complaint even if he wins his appeal. But we have to wait for the result of his appeal before any further action is taken.'

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