Psychiatrist before fitness to practise panel concerning allegations that he increased the patient's medication when there was no clinical need

GMC to decide doctor's future
http://www.buryfreepress.co.UK/news/GMC-to-decide-doctor39s-future.4528505.jp


26 September 2008
By Mark Beaumont
A consultant psychiatrist has appeared before the General Medical Council this week over his treatment of a mental health patient from Bury St Edmunds.

Dr Daniel Paul White has appeared before a fitness to practise panel concerning allegations that he increased the patient's medication when there was no clinical need and within a short period of time, which was not long enough to assess his response to the medication.

It is also alleged Dr White did not carry out regular physical checks on the patient, did not document the clinical rationale for increasing his medication or how ward staff should monitor him or when a medication review should take place.

The GMC hearing in Manchester is also looking at allegations he did not explain the increases in dosages of Amisulpride and Haloperidol to either the patient or his mother, did not comply with British National Formulary guidelines, the manufacturers guidelines or the guidelines of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Association of Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit guidance.

It is also claimed Dr White told the mother of the patient that he was pleased with the progress made and planned to transfer the patient from his clinic in London back to Bury St Edmunds – only to change his mind the next day.

It is also alleged he did not record any change in the patient's behaviour in medical records or take into account the observations of nursing staff in the way he managed the patient.

The allegations stem from his treatment of a patient in October and November 2004.

It is claimed he acted inappropriately, irresponsibly and inadequately and should no longer be allowed to practice.

The hearing was scheduled to finish today.