The Texas Medical Board has temporarily restricted an
Angleton doctor from delivering babies citing a "continuing threat to the
public and welfare" and three fetal deaths.
Dr. Gregory Cooke, 50, is an obstetrician and a gynecologist
licensed since 1996. He had privileges at UTMB-Angleton campus, which have been
suspended, per the Board's order.
According to the order dated June 26, the Board examined the
treatment of six patients dating back to 2010. One was cleared, but five had
tragic outcomes, including three fetal deaths, and there seems to be pattern.
In four cases, the Board found Dr. Cooke did not respond in
a timely manner, despite calls and text messages from nurses.
For instance, in one case where the baby's heart was slowing
down, it took him almost two hours to arrive at the hospital and to perform an
emergency C-section. The woman's uterus had ruptured and the baby died.
In another case, he was delayed to "get through my
office." The baby was stillborn.
A nurse had to deliver another baby and in yet another case
it took him 90 minutes to show up after he had ordered a patient to be prepped
for a C-section.
Ultimately the Board panel found Dr. Cooke "engaged in
a pattern of mismanagement of labor and delivery, resulting in adverse outcomes
including fetal demise."
"It doesn't mean he has to quit practicing. They (the
Board) just don't want him delivering babies while they investigate
further," said Brian Tew, both a doctor and a lawyer who often represents
doctors in front of the Texas Medical Board.
Courtney Newton, Cooke's attorney said, "although the
temporary suspension hearing was held by the medical board, the board did not
suspend Dr. Cooke's medical license. Instead they took temporary action, which
he is appealing and we anticipate will be resolved at an expedited
hearing."
Cooke did not respond to a call requesting comment.
UTMB- Angleton Campus released this statement:
"Our patients' safety is always our main concern. We
take this action very seriously and we are looking into the situation."
Cooke's labor and delivery restriction stands until the
Board takes further action. An appeal hearing has not yet been scheduled.