A BREAST surgeon accused of botching the operations of more than 30 patients has been paid off by Barnsley Hospital and is now working in London.

Dr Puvaneswary Markandoo has been suspended on full pay since July 2006 and will now be paid notice to leave her consultant post after her lawyers reached a mutual agreement with the hospital.

It is understood Miss Markandoo, who earned up to £100,000 a year, will receive three months pay and full pension entitlements.

The Chronicle understands she is now employed by Homerton Hospital in East London in the breast unit. A spokesman said they were aware Miss Markandoo's situation and added she is not doing clinical work and is only carrying out admin tasks and is not getting paid.

"We are supporting her while she is attempting to maintain familiarity with current breast cancer practice," he added.

Barnsley Hospital chief executive Sandra Taylor confirmed that Miss Markandoo left her post as consultant breast surgeon on Tuesday. Former cancer patient Sheila Jeffrey described the payoff as ridiculous and a waste of taxpayers' money.

Sheila, 52, was left permanently scarred after she suffered complications following reconstructive breast surgery by Miss Markandoo. "It is awful how many lives she has ruined and they are left to pick up the pieces while she goes merrily on her way.

"I am glad she is not at Barnsley anymore but what about the poor people who could get her next? She should have been struck off."

A legal representative for Miss Markandoo confirmed she had left the hospital.

"She would like to stress that in her 40 years of practice she has always sought to provide the best standard of care for her patients. She now wishes to put this matter behind her.”