Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust has made an "unreserved apology" after a surgeon was allowed to continue working despite complaints over 12 years.

Inadequte communication, instability of leadership at the time and his powers of persuasion were given as reasons why women using the obstetric and gynaecological service suffered 'pain distress and anxiety' according to a series of five independant reports commissioned by the trust.

The culture at the hospital meant it was not as responsive to concerns as it should have been, and the trust has admitted tthat it let patients down.

The reports into the obstetric and gynaecological service were commissioned after concerns about treatment and care provided by Rob Jones.

The trust says that, for the period looked at between April 2010 and October 2012, 52 women were found to have suffered complications as a result of surgery.

Sixty-nine women were, "felt to be at risk of harm either through failure to manage their case appropriately, or because the quality of record keeping did not permit the necessary assurances to be given.

Fifty-eight women had to be recalled for assessment.

The trust said that no cases of cancer were missed.

Martin Watts, chairman at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust said: "On behalf of the trust I wish to apologise to those women and their families for the pain distress and anxiety caused by the practice of former obstetric and gynaecology consultant Rob Jones."

He said a review commissioned by the current trust board "confirms that concerns identified about some of Mr Jones' practice should have been addressed with more vigour and urgency". Adding: "We must fully acknowledge the mistakes made - apologise and learn from them."

Mr Jones had been the subject of repeated complaints over 12 years and was suspended in May 2012. 

Lezli Boswell, chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) thanked patients and staff who spoke out and raised concerns, adding that all the recommendations from the independent reports would be implemented.

Anyone concerned about their treatment can contact a helpline on 0800 180 4514.