A DOCTOR has been accused of carrying out "unnecessary and indecent" examinations on two women patients.

Dr Shakir Hasan Laher, of Pringle Street, Blackburn, denies all the misconduct allegations against him.

He has been brought before the General Medical Council for a hearing - which is expected to last 12 days - looking into whether he is fit to continue practising as a doctor.

The hearing yesterday heard a claim that Dr Laher performed an unnecessary breast examination on a patient suffering from severe gynaecological problems.

The woman, named only as Patient A, told the hearing: "I was just so scared. I looked out of the window and just wanted it to be over."

Sarah Campbell, representing the GMC, told the panel that Patient A had been admitted on numerous occasions to the A&E department at Warrington Hospital, complaining of severe abdominal pain and menstrual bleeding.

On January 27, 2004, Patient A attended A&E at Warrington Hospital once more with similar symptoms and was later transferred to a mixed sex ward.

Whilst she was being treated Dr Laher, a senior house officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the hospital, arrived at her room.

Miss Campbell said the doctor locked the door and, without asking for a nurse to be present, told her he was going to conduct a breast examination. Patient A lifted up her top and the doctor is alleged to have indecently touched her.

The hearing was told of another alleged touching incident related to an "unnecessary" internal examination.

Dr Laher is accused on another occasion, on February 3, of rubbing Patient A's thigh while administering a pain killing injection.

Another young female patient, referred to as Patient B, had also complained about Dr Laher, the hearing was told.

This allegation related to while Dr Laher was working as a locum senior house officer at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester.

Patient B, aged 20 at the time, also alleges Dr Laher performed unnecessary internal examinations on her.

(Proceeding)