GP 'refused man a smear test'

The man wanted to be given a smear test

A doctor is to appear before an independent hearing after a male patient, who believes he is a hermaphrodite, claimed the GP failed to offer him a cervical smear test.

A hermaphrodite would have the reproductive organs of both a man and a woman.

This patient has fathered a child, and doctors say there is no evidence that he is a hermaphrodite.

However, the practice, which is covered by Exeter Primary Care Trust (PCT), Devon, has allowed the patient to register with a female name.

We are worried that the PCT is so falling over backwards to be patient friendly that is has gone too far the other way

GP

The PCT issued a statement saying the patient had asked for a number of "complex issues" to be reviewed about his care and treatment by the GP.

It added: "GPs are independent contractors for the NHS, and the PCT's role is to oversee the complaints process, which allows for an independent hearing so that issues can be resolved.

"In this instance a range of issues are being considered, and the hearing is not solely about the availability of cervical screening."

'Silly things'

One doctor at the practice concerned told the Daily Telegraph: "We are worried that the PCT is so falling over backwards to be patient friendly that is has gone too far the other way.

"Silly things are starting to happen."

The wife of a GP at the practice told the newspaper that her husband, who had been a GP for 30 years, "would be pleased to hear from anyone, medical or otherwise, who could teach him the correct way to carry out a cervical smear on a 34-year-old male".

The patient's claims will be considered at a closed hearing, the date for which has yet to be set.

It will have an independent chairman who will sit with lay members.