Investigated GP found hanged

A village GP under investigation by a health authority for referring too many of his patients to hospital has been found hanged.

Dr Stephen Farley, who was in his 50s, was discovered dead in a barn at the rear of his home.

After working at Ibstock House Surgery for 25 years, father-of-two Dr Farley faced a review of his referral rate.

It concluded that he needed fresh training and prompted him to take six weeks off work with depression.

Leicestershire and Rutland Local Medical Committee, which represents local doctors, said it has called for an inquiry into the investigation of Dr Farley's working practices.

Andrew Clarke, chief executive of Charnwood and North Leicestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "In light of Dr Farley's death we are reviewing recent dealings with the practice.

"At this stage I can confirm that the PCT has been working with the GP practice to try to understand aspects of patient-referral activity."

Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Strategic Health Authority also confirmed that it was being kept aware of the inquiry.

Dr Farley was discovered hanged at the barn, off High Street, Ibstock, on Friday.