GP case prompts breast cancer review

The records of women over 35 are being reviewed

A review into the care of 600 patients has started after a GP allegedly failed to identify the early signs of breast cancer in two women who later died.

Doctor Satish K Gupta, who works in Kirkdale in Liverpool, has admitted serious professional misconduct before the General Medical Council (GMC).

Liverpool Health Authority has asked a number of independent GPs to check the records of all Dr Gupta's female patients aged over 35.

The review was set after the dead women's families issued complaints.

Patient concern

The women who died are Annette Langley and Patricia Nolan.

Liverpool Health Authority stressed it was only checking the breast care offered to patients aged over 35 currently on Dr Gupta's list at the Stanley Road Medical Centre.

Letters with information on the disease are being sent to all female patients aged 18 and over who have left his care since the mid 1990s.

A spokesman said: "The authority is concerned that patients of Dr Gupta with breast problems who learn about the charges against him may have questions about their treatment.

"If the review raises concern in any case, the patient will be contacted directly.

"However, we have explained in our letters what women should do if they are themselves concerned."

The GMC said on Wednesday that Dr Gupta would be allowed to continue working at his practice.

But he must be supervised when undertaking breast examinations for one year.

A date has not yet been set for the GMC ruling on the case.