A DOCTOR accused of wrongly including a man in a medical study which allegedly led to his death denied that it was his job to warn the patient of the potential dangers, a medical council heard.

Professor Desmond Sheridan, 54, of Dukes Wood Drive, Gerrards Cross, head of a research programme at St Mary's Hospital, London, is accused of serious professional misconduct at a hearing of the General Medical Council in London.

Prof Sheridan allegedly allowed Alan Bowler, 60, who suffered from heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, to take part in research into the drug, Flosequinan in March 1992 but Mr Bowler died during the study on March 10, 1992 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington.

Also accused is Dr Robert Davies, 42, of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who allegedly persuaded Mr Bowler to take part in the study.

Professor Jennifer Adgey, a cardiologist for the council, told the committee last week that there had been a "total cock-up" which had led to the death of Mr Bowler.

Questioned by committee chairman, John Shaw, she agreed that a coronary angiography carried out on Mr Bowler two days before his death had shown clear evidence that he had severe coronary artery disease. She said that in such circumstances an extremely experienced surgeon may have considered going ahead with the study, but she personally would have been extremely hesitant.

Mr Bowler's widow Louise Carlton, from Amersham, told the hearing last Monday that she suspected 'foul play' when she saw her partner's signature on the research consent form.

She said he did not mention the drug test to her and she only found out about it after his death when she discovered some paperwork in his bureau.

Dr Davies said that Mr Bowler had been a willing participant in the study. He added that Mr Bowler was an "intelligent, independent-minded person" whose hypertension appeared well controlled.

Prof Sheridan denied on Thursday that it was his job to inform the patient of the potential complications of his taking part in the study.

He said: "The responsibility on discussing consent and risk was with Dr Davies. I would have been available at any time for Dr Davies to contact me for advice or any guidelines."

The case was adjourned on Friday until January 13.