A group of women who were negligently treated by disgraced gynaecologist Rob K Jones are taking legal action against the trust that employed him.

Almost 200 patients who were treated by Rob Jones have joined a group taking legal action against the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, but it is believed that around 1,000 patients of the surgeon could be entitled to compensation.

Rob Jones, also known as Kenneth Jones, practised for 20 years as an obstetrician and gynaecologist before being suspended from his role in 2012. He voluntarily removed his name from the medical register and retired in May 2012.

Between 1997 and 2012, eight reviews were carried out into the work of Rob K Jones. A report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists revealed that Mr Jones did not adhere to guidelines in his obstetric or colposcopy practice and he failed to keep adequate records of operation notes. The frequency of complications following relatively straight forward procedures also raised concern.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has ‘apologised unreservedly’ to those affected by the malpractice of Rob K Jones.

Madeleine Pinschof, a senior clinical negligence solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol office, said: “We are representing a number of women who were mistreated by Mr Jones. The effects of his negligence have caused serious health implications and long term damage.

“Many of his patients have suffered a traumatic physical and psychological ordeal, and we are working hard to ensure that our clients receive the support they need and ultimately the compensation they deserve.

"We believe that there may be many more affected who have not yet raised their concerns.

“Understanding where you stand legally can be an important step, regardless of whether or not you decide to pursue a claim and we are here to support anyone who is concerned that they may have been mistreated by Rob Jones’ medical malpractice.”