FIVE Southend Hospital doctors had their fitness to practise investigated it has been revealed.

From April 2017 to March 2018 carried out investigations on the conduct of the five medics.

A report to the Southend Hospital board said they “underwent or are currently undergoing General Medical Council fitness to practice procedures

The report also revealed one doctor had their capability questioned, another prompted concerns over their capability.

One doctor is said to have had their licence suspended and another was removed from the medical register entirely.

Yvonne Blücher, managing director at Hospital said: “If concerns are identified about a doctor’s behaviour, health or practice, they are investigated and managed under the relevant trust policies and any necessary action is taken to protect the safety of our patients.

"This includes trainees and locums who no longer work at the Trust.

“Doctors undergo a "fitness to practice" procedure if concerns have been raised by a patient, colleague or anonymous person. Identified concerns and referrals are made to the General Medical Council (GMC) which investigates the issues. Any subsequent decisions are made through the GMC processes.”

Staff Turnover Voluntary turnover has slightly increased slightly in July to 12.51 per cent.

Nine A&E doctors left the hospital for “training opportunities”. The hospital has put an action plan in place to help with staff retention.

There was a backlog of 76 complaints form patients at the end of July.

The complaint with the longest delay at this time was originally raised in September 2017.

The percentage of emergency department patients that would recommend the trust increased slightly from 87.40 per cent in June to 87.87 per cent in July 2018 against a target of 90 per cent.