AN investigation was launched into an East Lancashire doctor after a Lancashire Telegraph report on the death of a new-born baby boy.

Blackburn coroner Michael Singleton halted an inquest on Arron Almond after hearing that Dr Olufemi Olusegun, who was involved in his breech delivery, had conditions imposed on his registration.

And when Laura Tomlinson, of the General Medical Council (GMC), read our September 2011 article into the circumstances surrounding Arron’s death, 12 months previously, at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, she immediately became concerned.

Dr Dina, who qualified in Nigeria in 2003, is now facing a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) fitness to practice hearing, over allegations that the failed to inform the GMC over two stints at the Blackburn hospital.

The doctor was also required to work under the supervision of a workplace assessor — approved by the medical watchdog.

Dr Dina claimed he had sent a letter, on his second day at work, informing the GMC that he had been given work as a locum specialist registrar in obstetrics at the Royal Blackburn. But Elizabeth Dudley-Jones, for the GMC, said the doctor later contacted investigators ‘begging for forgiveness and mercy’ and apparently accepting that the letter had not been sent.

Dr Dina also claimed he had verbally informed two consultants and East Lancashire Hospitals Trust medical director Rineke Schram about the conditions on his registration.

But he alleged that there were question marks about the feasability of appointing a medical assessor as he was only on a short-term posting.

The doctor worked at the hospital from September 20 to 24 and September 27 to October 1, the MPTS panel was told.

Dr Dina has admitted that he was under GMC restrictions but he denies being misleading and dishonest.

The hearing continues.