Death probe case controversy

The allegations centred on inappropriate use of diamorphine

A GP questioned by police investigating the deaths of seven elderly people has been cleared of any suspicion by the General Medical Council (GMC).

However, the way the case of Dr Peter Lindsay was handled has brought stinging criticism from his supporters.

They say the doctor was unnecessarily put through the mill without adequate chance to give his side of the story.

The GMC's Interim Order Committee has the power to suspend doctors pending an investigation but it decided no action was necessary in the case of Dr Lindsay.

It had been alleged that Dr Lindsay, who practices in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, had inappropriately prescribed and administered controlled drugs.

Because of the manner in which this investigation has been handled, Dr Lindsay's reputation has been damaged

Dr John Hickey, Medical Protection Society

But police decided to take no action against Dr Lindsay after investigating the deaths, and now the GMC has concluded there is no substance to the allegations.

The committee's chairman, Professor Norman MacKay said there was no need to make an order in relation to Dr Lindsay's registration.

He said: "The committee would like to place on record its regret for the considerable distress that the unsubstantiated allegations that gave rise to these proceedings have caused to Dr Lindsay."

Dr Lindsay was arrested in January in connection with the deaths of four patients at St Luke's Nursing Home in Leeds as well as one at a residential home and two other people who had died in their own homes.

They had all been given diamorphine for pain relief.

GMC criticised

Solicitor Mary O'Rourke, for Dr Lindsay, who did not attend the hearing in London, criticised the way the GMC had handled the case.

She said: "Dr Lindsay's concern is that because of the way this matter has been handled he has been put through a very difficult situation.

"He hopes that in cases like this to come that a little more time is spent in looking at whether there is any substance to the allegations and that the doctor in question is asked for his comment."

Dr Lindsay had co-operated fully with the investigation and provided voluntary statements to the police, which made it immediately clear that nurses, and not himself, had administered the drug.

She also pointed out that the original allegations had come from a former professional partner of Dr Lindsay who was involved in a partnership dispute with him.

Dr Lindsay said in a statement after the hearing: "This has been a terrible ordeal for my family and especially my two daughters, whose behaviour has been an inspiration to us all.

"I have been moved by the kindness shown to me by colleagues, patients and friends. Now we must all put this behind us."

Dr John Hickey, medical director of the Medical Protection Society, said it believed Dr Lindsay had been badly treated by Leeds Health Authority, which had referred the case to West Yorkshire Police and the GMC.

"Because of the manner in which this investigation has been handled, Dr Lindsay's reputation, built up over many years, has been damaged and he has suffered a great deal of unnecessary stress and anguish.

"His prime objective now is to restore his good name."