GPs warned over patients seeking drugs

Doctors in Cork and Kerry have been warned in recent weeks to be “on guard” for new patients seeking sedatives and tranquillisers.

The warning was issued in both counties after a Cork city GP suddenly closed his practice to go on sick leave.

Cathedral Rd-based GP David Murphy gave a voluntary undertaking to the High Court and Medical Council this week that he would not prescribe benzodiazepines and opiates in advance of an judgment by the Medical Council, which is investigating Dr Murphy’s prescribing policy