British-banned doctor can work here

A BRITISH psychiatrist banned from practice in Britain has been cleared of any wrongdoing here opening the way for him to apply for work.

Dr John Harding-Price, reported to the Irish Medical Council (IMC) following an allegation he had acted unprofessionally in a Tipperary hospital, is free to apply for work in hospitals or set up in private practice in Ireland, if he chooses.

A hospital manager reported Dr Harding-Price to the IMC when he received an allegation in November 2001 he acted unprofessionally while working in St Luke’s Psychiatric Hospital in Clonmel.

The complaint was originally made by the family of a patient Dr Harding-Price treated during his time in Tipperary.

The family complained he kept their daughter unnecessarily undressed during a consultation and queried aspects of his general manner. The matter was subsequently raised by the hospital manager and health board with the IMC.

In a letter to the hospital manager, the IMC said there was no prima facie case for the holding of a sworn inquiry and said it was not upholding the complaint made.

The decision is contrary to a highly critical Department of Health probe into the matter last year. It criticised the role of the IMC in checking the registration of doctors and also urged health boards to check references and fitness to practice more thoroughly.

Yesterday, Dr Harding-Price welcomed the IMC decision and said it had cleared his name.

“I’ve now asked the Medical Protection Society to see if this decision in Ireland allows me to now practice in the UK.

“I’ve been practicing privately in Ireland.

Whether or not I will be employed by any Irish health board is a matter for them.”

The 73 year-old was struck off the British register in December 2000 following complaints from three female patients which were upheld by the Medical Council there.

While struck off in Britain pending a full inquiry, Dr Harding-Price got work in two hospitals in the southeast.

Having examined the complaint made against Dr John Harding-Price here, the IMC said he was free to practice in Ireland.

The South Eastern Health Board said it would not be appropriate for it to comment on the matter.