Psychiatrist cleared after enquiry into report delay
The General Medical Council has cleared a psychiatrist of serious professional misconduct after he admitted repeatedly failing to produce an expert report for solicitors in a child injury case.
The enquiry, which has only recently been completed, revealed the doctor, of over 30 years experience, was first instructed in July 2002. He assessed the boy the following month but, despite seven requests from Instructing Solicitors, did not produce a report. He finally admitted in March 2003 that he could not locate a copy of it or any notes or records relating to the case on his computer.
The tribunal heard that, even then, the expert witness was given a second chance.
He saw the boy again in April 2003 to re-assess him but still did not produce a report after five further reminders in the following three-month period.
The doctor admitted that he had acted inappropriately, irresponsibly, unprofessionally and not in the best interests of the Claimant.
The Panel heard that, although the boy was vulnerable and distressed, the doctor was not responsible for his clinical management. No evidence of direct or indirect harm to the boy was presented nor was his conduct alleged to have affected the outcome of the child’s claim.
The tribunal concluded that, although the psychiatrist’s actions were reprehensible, they fell just short of serious professional misconduct.