Crumlin Children's Hospital says it responded promptly when serious concerns were identified over a doctor's competency.

Dr Mihai Anton, a paediatric surgeon at the hospital for a short period in January of 2013, is facing multiple allegations of professional misconduct, including an allegation that he obtained parental consent for the wrong procedure on a patient.

The hearing heard from one witness - a doctor who had worked with Dr Anton - that Dr Anton was the “worst” senior house officer the witness had ever worked with.

The Irish Times reports that Dr Anton, who got the job after a telephone interview, started work in January of last year - and ten days later his colleagues raised concerns about his ability.

A Medical Council fitness to practice inquiry today heard that he struggled to put on surgical gloves, did not know how to scrub up properly before surgery and that he took lunch breaks for periods far longer than the normal half hour. Dr Anton was also allegedly unable to properly write notes on patients’ charts and failed to understand basic instructions in theatre.

In a statement this evening, Our Lady's Children's Hospital says Dr Anton was suspended from normal practice as soon as concerns were raised, and that no patient safety issues arose while he was on duty.

The hospital has said Dr Anton claimed he had six years clinical experience in Romania and that he provided the hospital with the relevant paperwork and references prior to being appointed.

Crumlin Hospital HR Manager Joan Troy told the inquiry the hospital now conducts interviews on Skype, where there is a” visual interface with the interview panel and candidate”.