A gynaecologist has been sacked by a Sussex hospital following a year-long investigation into his professional conduct.

Michael Pembrey, who worked at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, was dismissed after his competence and behaviour were judged to be below the expected standard.

Mr Pembrey was suspended in September last year after concerns were raised about his professional conduct and allegations surrounding patient consent.

An inquiry was launched and an independent panel heard evidence from patients and hospital staff concerning 11 cases.

After considering a detailed report written by the panel, Hastings and Rother NHS Trust decided on Friday to dismiss Mr Pembrey from the position he has held for 11 years.

The report will now be passed on to the General Medical Council, which can strike off doctors if they are deemed a risk to the public.

Hastings and Rother NHS Trust said relevant information about previous investigations into Mr Pembrey would also be referred to the GMC.

A health trust spokesman said: "The decision is based on evidence from the inquiry's report that Mr Pembrey's judgement, competence and conduct falls below the standard expected of a consultant gynaecologist.

"The trust has a duty to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care available and on reviewing the evidence it was clear Mr Pembrey's conduct and practice fell well short of the required standard."

Geoffrey Haynes, health trust chief executive, said the complex nature of the allegations meant the inquiry had taken just over a year.

Mr Haynes said: "We have been acutely conscious of the desire of the patients and their families whose cases were presented to the inquiry to see this matter brought to as swift a conclusion as possible.

"The trust has always had the greatest sympathy for these patients and their families.

"We hope today's decision will go some way to addressing their concerns and help ease the distress that they have suffered and which we greatly regret."

Mr Haynes said the report would not be made public to protect patients' identities.

Mr Pembrey, 54, from Battle, said he intended to appeal and had always tried to act in the best interests of his patients.

A statement issued on his behalf by the Medical Protection Society said: "Mr Pembrey is dismayed at the trust's decision to dismiss him. For the past 11 years as a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, he has been committed to the provision of patient-orientated service, treating each patient as an individual and respecting their wishes.

"He has sought to act in his patients' best interests at all times."

The statement said the panel upheld only a minority of the allegations and its findings were not numerous or severe enough to make his dismissal inevitable.

It added: "Mr Pembrey deeply regrets any anxiety or distress which may have been caused."