GP Suspended For Smacking Pensioner

A GP has been suspended for three months after smacking a 97-year-old woman suffering with dementia, as he tried to treat her at a Burscough nursing home.

Dr Gary Simpson smacked the elderly patient with sufficient force to cause reddening of the skin during his visit to Stocks Hall Nursing Home. Dr Simpson was called into the home when it was thought the pensioner, who has mixed dementia, was suffering from a chest infection.

A medical tribunal found that Dr Simpson pointed into the face of the patient and smacked her on the hand with enough force to cause reddening of the skin. It was also established that he refused to listen to a witness' instructions to leave the patient alone and accept her refusal of his treatment.

The tribunal deemed that the appropriate and proportionate sanction given the seriousness of the incident was a short period of suspension, but that erasing Dr Simpson's name from the medical register would be disproportionate.

The tribunal also noted that Dr Simpson had practiced medicine without incident for 36 years and drew attention to the fact that he was held in high regard by both his colleagues and his patients.

If you believe your health has suffered because of the actions of a medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak to our team in confidence on 0845 603 0708 for more information.

National Solicitors

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