A surgeon accused of lying to Bradford hospitals bosses about his expertise and experience on his CV suffered a suspected heart attack while his case was being heard by the General Medical Council, according to his wife.

Robert Phipps, 48, of Shipley, told the GMC hearing in Manchester that he was sacked in 2000 to cover up inadequacies in breast cancer care at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Making an application to have the hearing stayed, which was refused, Mr Phipps claimed he was the victim of a witch hunt. He denies serious professional misconduct.

At the hearing yesterday, the chairman of the professional conduct committee, Dr Nigel Hester, said a fax had been received from Mr Phipps's wife which said her husband had been taken ill and was not able to attend the hearing.

A further fax was then received that said: "My husband has been referred to hospital with a suspected heart attack and abnormally high blood pressure."

The committee decided the hearing should be adjourned until Monday.