Double successes for Anthony Haycroft defending in the General Medical Council

Anthony Haycroft has had back to back successes in the General Medical Council. In both cases the Panel accepted Anthony Haycroft's submissions that the doctor's fitness to practice was not impaired. In the first case a Specialist Registrar in obstetrics failed to act during a difficult labour leading to a delayed birth. The baby suffered epileptic fits and died as a young child. The doctor retained as a General Practitioner. The Panel accepted this was a single tragic episode in difficult circumstances and there was no risk of repetition. The Panel did not consider even a warning was necessary. Anthony Haycroft was instructed by Christine Freedman of the MDU and the case was very similar to GMC v Assam, another case of Ms Freedman.

In the next case, instructed by Richard Privett of Radcliffes Le Brasseur, a GP had provided a report to excuse the attendance of another GP at his GMC hearing and backed up his report by giving evidence. The GP accepted he acted outside his field of expertise and had given inaccurate information. The Panel found one allegation of bad faith proven. Despite this the Panel acceded to Anthony Haycroft's submission that the doctor had learnt from his errors and would never repeat them. Again no impairment was found and the doctor accepted a warning was appropriate.