Bristol doctor fined for speeding in emergency
A Bristol doctor caught by a speed camera going 6mph above the limit as he rushed to answer an emergency call had his appeal against a ticket thrown out by police.
Consultant obstetrician Sherif Abdel-Fattah was told his 5am journey to Southmead Hospital, where a mother was suffering "massive bleeding" during an emergency caesarean section operation, did not meet the criteria for a medical emergency exemption.
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This was despite a letter from North Bristol NHS Trust stating that he was "attending in response to an extremely urgent and life-threatening situation that required his expertise without delay".
Yesterday, after the Bristol Evening Post contacted them to ask for an explanation, Avon and Somerset police said they had had a change of heart and the prosecution was being dropped.
During the 5am drive from his home near Frenchay to the hospital, Dr Abdel-Fattah went through a speed camera on Gloucester Road North between Filton and Horfield, travelling at 36mph in a 30mph zone.
He made it into the operating theatre and helped control the woman's bleeding and stabilise her condition after almost two hours.
Two days after the operation on August 21, Dr Abdel-Fattah received a notice of intended prosecution from Avon and Somerset Police, giving him the choice of three points and a £60 fine or to attend a driving course and pay the same in costs.
The 47-year-old sent a letter explaining the circumstances, with an accompanying letter from the hospital confirming the details, but was informed that he did not meet the criteria for a medical emergency exemption. He appealed the decision but it was rejected.
Dr Abdel-Fattah said: "I was called by the midwife at 5am on August 21 and told that someone had haemorrhaged during a caesarean section. There was very, very massive bleeding and I was asked to come quickly. It was a very real emergency."
The Post contacted Avon and Somerset Police to raise Dr Abdel-Fattah's case. The force said a decision not to take further action had been made yesterday.
Police spokeswoman Sian Davies said: "A doctor en route to perform an emergency, life-saving, procedure is one such occasion which would require further consideration, and police will be taking no further action against this individual."
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by Alex, Redcliffe
Monday, November 09 2009, 9:21PM
“Cheers Rob - fight the good fight.”
by Rob, Knowle
Monday, November 09 2009, 5:47PM
“"BREAKING NEWS!
Website moderator in horse probe.
The moderator of a local news website was under police investigation today after accusations of interfering with horses and requiring a serious sense of humour transplant. Allegations came to light this afternoon and DCI Gene Hunt of Hyde CID was quick to act, firing up the Quattro and arresting the moderator on a farm in Longwell Green. Neighbours were said to be shocked. One, who does not wish to be named, said ¿He seemed like such a nice young chap. The whole street is shocked.¿ Another local resident, Samantha Creed, was supportive ¿I don¿t know what all the fuss is about. If a horse is what floats your boat then each to their own. Ooh, is that a carrot?¿
DCI Hunt later held a press conference, telling local press ¿We will investigate any suspicion of horse interfering on my patch. It seems this moderator had his fingers in more horses than a leper in a stable. Once we told him he was surrounded by armed bas***ds, he quickly surrendered. You have to see the funny side really, but he can¿t as he also needs a sense of humour transplant so it is a good thing we got him off the streets.¿
Stick with us throughout the day for further updates.
Alex, Redcliffe"
Fight against the Stasi!!”
by Alex, Redcliffe
Monday, November 09 2009, 4:51PM
“One of the funniest posts I have ever read on this site. Vich means it must be deleted!”
by News Room, Bristol Evening Post
Monday, November 09 2009, 4:38PM
“ZERO TOLERANCE ON 'HUMEROUS' POSTINGS.
We are cracking down on any attempts at humour on this website. Certain posters, you know who you are, will be tracked down and taken to a concentration camp and will have your sense of humour removed. The means of doing this will entail you sitting in a room with George, who will indocrinate you with equine and cycling stories. We quote the editor:
"Ve vill haff no more funny comments on ziss vebsite. I vill not tolerate it. Zey haff been varned".
Any mildly funny posts will be instantly deleted by our BEP Stormtroopers. DCI Gene Hunt will not be exempt fromthis, and neither will Mike Ford.”
by Alex, Redcliffe
Monday, November 09 2009, 4:30PM
“No, but it was worth it while it lasted. I am guessing the mods either live in Longwell Green or like horses as DCI Hunt's comments got removed too. There was not even anything wrong with them to anyone with a sense of humour.”