The consultant who sparked fears that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination can lead to autism and serious bowel disorders has been forced out of his job at the Royal Free Hospital.

Professor Andrew Wakefield, who worked as a consultant gastroenterologist, provoked controversy by criticising the Government-backed three-in-one injections in January.

His findings are widely regarded as the reason why there has been a sharp fall in the uptake in the MMR jab throughout the country.

In Barnet only 78 per cent of two-year-olds received the vaccination in 2000/01 compared with 91 per cent in 1996/97.

Between April and June this year, 84.2 per cent received the jabs across the UK.

The World Health Organisation recommends a target of between 92 and 95 per cent to prevent an epidemic.

Dr Wakefield claimed this weekend that he had been asked to leave because his research was "unpopular" with ministers.

A statement from the Royal Free confirmed he had resigned from his £50,000-a-year job. It added: "Dr Wakefield's research was no longer in line with the department of medicine's research strategy and he left by mutual agreement."

A spokesman for the Public Health Laboratory said it had not observed any increase in measles, mumps or rubella as a result of the low uptake.

Dr Sheba Sen, who is a consultant in communicable disease for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Health Authority, said: "We are concerned about the consistent drop in the uptake of the MMR immunisation.

"We are keen that parents recognise how vital it is for their children to receive the MMR immunisation in order to safeguard their health."

Key facts

Mumps and measles are highly infectious diseases which can kill or disable

Rubella seriously affects the development of a foetus if contracted during pregnancy

In 1991, 48 two-year-olds caught the illness in Barnet compared with just 15 in 1998/99

December 5, 2001 10:59

IAN LLOYD