A taxi driver who complained after a surgeon operating on him held a mobile phone conversation about buying a car is seeking a personal apology. Queen Mary Hospital yesterday refused to name the doctor, saying it would be against privacy laws to disclose information on staff without their consent. The hospital and the Hospital Authority decided on Wednesday night to discipline the surgeon. They apologised to the patient for his 'unpleasant experience'. Chung Chi-cheong said yesterday he was pleased the hospital had taken action on his complaint. He accepted the outcome of the investigation, but added: 'No one from the hospital has contacted me personally to give an apology. And so far I've not been told if I will be given any compensation.' The Medical Council has decided to launch a formal investigation into the surgeon. Mr Chung accused the doctor of having the phone conversation during an operation to remove a polyp from his colon in May. During the procedure the doctor tore the colon, requiring a second operation. The surgeon has been suspended from all clinical duties. Mr Chung, who lodged the complaint in June, said he had had trouble getting information from the hospital, which he believed had bowed to public pressure in speeding up the case.
