Crossword Genius

Irregular method followed by section of a hospital (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wayward

'irregular' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'method followed by section of a hospital' is the wordplay.
'method' becomes 'way' (way of doing something).
'followed by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'section of a hospital' becomes 'ward' (hospitals have wards).
'way'+'ward'='WAYWARD'

(Other definitions for wayward that I've seen before include "Unpredictable, wilful" , "Perversely independent" , "Undisciplined, headstrong" , "Resistant to discipline" , "Not obedient or easily controlled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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