GP practice allowed manager to see patients

18 May 00
Police and health authority investigations have been launched in Greater Manchester following allegations that a finance manager at a GP practice has been giving medical advice to patients.

19 May 2000

Bury and Rochdale Health Authority has taken over the management of Dr Colin Ogdon's practice at Prestwich Health Centre after it was alleged that the individual, who is not medically qualified, had seen patients.

It is believed he worked at the practice between November last year and April 11. Dr Ogdon has taken sick leave and the health authority has suspended his practice manager, though it stressed this was 'a neutral and temporary act'.

It added that the allegations did not affect the four other GPs based at the health centre and its inquiry has identified no unusual deaths at the practice.

Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating, though it did not name the man at the centre of the allegations. It confirmed it had made no arrests in connection with deaths or injuries at the practice.

Indeed, a spokeswoman added: 'It is still early days and there is nothing to suggest that any criminal offence has been committed at this stage. We are interviewing staff from the medical centre to build up a full picture. If and when we are in a position to do so, we will be interviewing the person concerned.'

The British Medical Association said that it was not an offence to call yourself a doctor but it was an offence to impersonate one.

PFmay2000

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top