Two women patients of Dr Harbinson later told how
Two women patients of Dr Harbinson later told how he tried not to put them under pressure as they discussed circumcising their children.
One mum claimed he went to great lengths to make sure she understood the full nature of the surgery.
And the other said he explained all the options before suggesting the op – and even advised her to get a second opinion.
Ailsa Grainger said one of her two sons, Daniel, developed penile problems shortly after being born in 1997.
She took him to Dr Harbinson, who examined the baby and suggested a urine test to rule out any infection.
Mrs Grainger said: ‘Dr Harbinson examined Daniel and I explained everything.
‘He suggested that I take a urine kit and test Daniel.
‘Circumcision was mentioned but he said it probably would not come to that, and was more likely something very innocent.
‘
At a second appointment, after the urine test proved negative, Mrs Grainger and her husband again discussed surgery with the GP.
She told the committee: ‘We were quite amenable to it but Dr Harbinson wanted to point out all the implications.
‘He made that very clear.
He really stressed that it was not to be undertaken lightly.
‘We did not feel under any pressure.
He asked were we sure it was the right thing, and stressed the fact it was an operation.
‘We did not feel at all that he was pressurising us or that there was any stress implied.
‘He is a very considerate doctor.
He listens to what you have to say and then he thinks about it and does what he thinks is best for you.
‘
The other woman, identified only as Mrs M, explained that her son Douglas was circumcised last year at the age of five.
But she said Dr Harbinson had been very cautious about recommending the op, and even advised her to get a second opinion before deciding.
The mum-of-four told the hearing: ‘When he first examined Douglas, he said there was no real need for
intervention at that stage.
‘We looked at all the things that could be causing Douglas pain, and we decided just to leave him be at that moment and hope he grew out of it.
‘We talked about circumcision at that point, and Dr Harbinson gave us some information he had printed about the topic.
‘
The woman said when her son’s problem got steadily worse, they again discussed surgery with the GP.
She added: ‘He mentioned a circumcision at that point.
‘He said there was a case for it, but in no way were we being forced to look at this option.
‘Dr Harbinson then said we could look for a second opinion.
‘
The couple then visited another doctor, who also recommended having the surgery done, and Douglas was later operated on at the Washington Hospital.
Asked by Mr Fortune to describe what Dr Harbinson was like as a family GP, Mrs M said: ‘He is absolutely marvellous.
‘He always has a lot of time for you, and he is very interested and caring.
‘He always explains everything very thoroughly so you are well aware of whatever treatment you are going to get.
My whole family has every faith in him.
‘
The hearing is due to continue on Monday.
ends
