A patient who was misdiagnosed by Dr James Elwood told an inquiry into serious medical errors made by the doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital that he was being made a scapegoat.

Louise Jenkinson from Broad Town, who was given the all-clear for cervical cancer when it had in fact spread to her lymph glands, told the investigation yesterday she believed he was being targeted to hide mistakes by the hospital trust.

The 41-year-old suffered a series of problems while she was treated at PMH. She discovered the new and correct diagnosis of her condition was made four months before she was informed of it.

Ms Jenkinson was giving evidence at the inquiry to the Commission for Health Improvement which is holding meetings with patients this week to help it recommend changes to procedures.

Ms Jenkinson said teling her side of the story had made a difference to her.

"It was important that they were prepared to listen to me," she said.

"I am clearly upset that I was misdiagnosed but you have to look at the situation around Dr Elwood. When you take on board the general error rate, why is so much importance being placed on this man?"