Accused surgeon saved me – patient

A woman believes her life was saved by a Staffordshire surgeon accused of botching breast operations that left patients with horrific wounds.

Jean Godwin, of Burton Manor, Stafford, has come to the defence of Brian Gwynn, aged 54, who works at Staffordshire General Hospital and Rowley Hall Hospital, Stafford.

Mr Gwynn’s practice panel hearing by the General Medical Council is expected to go on until December 7.

The surgeon was suspended from carrying out breast surgery as a precaution in November 2005.

Six women who underwent surgery to remove lumps or have the size of their breasts reduced allege they were left disfigured and in pain, including Cannock mother-of-three Tracy Todd. Mr Gwynn denies misconduct and deficient professional performance.

Grandmother Mrs Godwin, aged 54, said Mr Gwynn operated on her at Staffordshire General Hospital in June 2000 for breast cancer. “This man gave me the courage to see my cancer operation through and performed my lumpectomy on my 47th birthday.

“You couldn’t wish for a better surgeon. He was absolutely wonderful,” said Mrs Godwin, who has been chosen as Stafford and Rural Homes tenant of the year.

Both her father and brother died in their 42nd year from cancer.

“Mr Gwynn felt my pain and anguish that while I may have beaten the 42nd birthday curse, it had caught up with me in the end.

“On June 6, 2000, after telling me the results of a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, totally regardless of his support team, he put his arms around me, hugged me tightly to his chest and said ‘the next time you cry they will be tears of happiness’,” said Mrs Godwin. After the operation nine days later he told her he was 98 per cent certain the cancer would not return.

“I thanked him then and I do so now – in my 54th year and clear.” She added that if it did return, she would want Mr Gwynn to be the surgeon to perform the operation.