Controversial medical case notes about thousands of babies are likely to be discussed at a hearing into a consultant's work, a hospital has said.
The General Medical Council (GMC) is investigating the work of baby expert Prof David Southall, who was suspended from child protection work in 2004.
MP John Hemming tabled a Commons motion this week saying the files held by Prof Southall should be given to patients.
But the Department for Health refused, saying it was not standard policy.
It said case notes did not need to be given to patients "as a matter of course".
'Not best placed'
A spokesman for the department said it was only if a study revealed new information that was clinically relevant to the patient that a consultant would be ethically bound to contact them.
The University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where the consultant works, said it was "aware that the issue of special case files is likely to be discussed at an imminent GMC hearing into Professor Southall's work".
Prof Southall is a leading baby expert, but was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC after accusing the husband of Sally Clark of murdering their children.
He was suspended from child protection work for three years in September 2004.
Resumed hearing
A spokesman for the GMC told BBC News that further allegations have since been made against the professor which they are investigating.
Prof Southall has said the GMC was not best placed to deal with his misconduct case.
During the hearing, he was backed by 85 leading professionals who said he should continue working.
Despite the verdict he was retained by the University Hospital of North Staffordshire because of his expertise in treating sick children.
The GMC will hold a resumed hearing before September 2007 to discuss whether to lift the conditions.
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