GMC hearing postponed for Dr who misdiagnosed hundreds of children with epilepsy
26/09/2005
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
A GMC hearing questioning the fitness to practice of former Consultant Paediatrician at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Dr Andrew Holton, has been postponed for the second time.
The private hearing set to begin today was expected to make a decision on his fitness to practice this week. The postponement is said to be due to the ill health of a key witness for the doctor.
Parents were furious when the hearing was postponed in May 2005 adding further delay to the proceedings.
"Many parents are totally disillusioned with the GMC's processes and procedures. They feel their views have not being considered adequately and they are frustrated by the length of time it has taken for this hearing to finally come about and reach a conclusion."
"They cannot understand that a case of such gravity arising from so many serious issues and failings is being considered under the GMC's performance rules which will not result in Dr Holton being struck off," said Richard Follis of Alexander Harris solicitors who is representing many of the complainants as well as the parents and carers action group.
Background
Dr Holton was suspended by the Leicestershire NHS Trust on the 21st May 2001 pending an investigation into his management of his clinical case load of allegedly epileptic children. Concerns were expressed by various health service personnel regarding Holton's practice, culminating in his suspension on full pay until October 2003.
In October 2003 Holton returned to practice after the GMC revoked the restrictions that had been placed upon his ability to practice in June 2002 by their Interim Orders Committee.
Alexander Harris represent the Leicester Epilepsy Concern Parents and Carers' Group (LECPCG) as well as many families of individual children who allege that they suffered injury, loss and damage as a result of errors of diagnosis and/or treatment at the hands of Dr Holton when he was working as a Paediatrician at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Notes to Editors:
- The LECPCG can be contacted on telephone: 07870 688 973 or 0116 284 803; e-mail: enquiries@lecpcg.org.uk; website www.lecpcg.org.uk.
- Media enquiries should be made to the media management department at Alexander Harris on 08700 77 88 77.
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