A SURGEON who performed the operation which left Denise Hendry fighting for her life is still under investigation by the General Medical Council, her solicitors insisted today.

Bosses at Broughton Park Private Hospital, Preston, had claimed that Dr Gustaf Aniansson had been cleared of any blame by the GMC following a hearing earlier this week.

The surgeon performed a liposuction operation on Denise, wife of former Blackburn Rovers defender Colin, in April. Two days later she was admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital after contracting septicaemia.

Solicitors for Colin today say they are considering legal action against the hospital and the surgeon.

Denise, 35, spent five weeks in a coma and on a life support machine in the hospital's intensive care unit. She is now off the critical list and is said to be improving in hospital.

A GMC spokesman today said that, generally speaking, doctors go before an initial hearing where a decision can be made to restrict their practices.

But even if no restrictions are made - as in the case of Dr Aniansson, who is free to carry on performing surgery - they can still be subject to investigations.

And solicitors acting on behalf of mother-of-four Denise said reports that the Swedish doctor had been cleared were incorrect.

Stephen Jones, of Manchester-based Pannone and Partners, said: "I can confirm that Mr Aniansson's treatment of Mrs Hendry was referred to the GMC by surgeons at Royal Preston Hospital, who expressed concern at the standard of care afforded to her.

"At an interim hearing on Tuesday the GMC decided not to suspend Mr Aniansson's registration. However the GMC stresses that no substantive decision has yet been made in relation to the complaint which will proceed through the usual channels. Reports that Mr Aniansson has been exonerated or cleared by the GMC are therefore premature and incorrect.

"I can also confirm that we have been instructed by Mrs Hendry to begin formal investigations into her treatment with a view to bringing a claim for compensation against both Broughton Park Hospital and Mr Aniansson."

Mr Jones said concerns about the operation and Dr Aniansson had been raised by staff at Royal Preston Hospital in a letter to the GMC.

The Royal Preston Hospital have refused to comment on whether any such letter was sent.

Colin, who used to live in Ribchester and now lives in Lytham St Annes, said if a letter had been sent he "fully supported" it.

Linda Hanson, managing director of Broughton Park Private Hospital, yesterday said her heart went out to the Hendrys and claimed Dr Aniansson had been cleared of any blame.

She was unavailable to comment on the statement from Mrs Hendry's solicitor.