Thirteen doctors guilty of professional misconduct last year

The annual report of the Irish Medical Council has revealed that 13 doctors were found guilty of professional misconduct last year.

A total of 295 complaints against medics were filed during 2009, but only 31 were referred to the Council's Fitness to Practice Committee.

For the first time, two cases were referred to mediation, with the consent of both of the complainant and the doctor.

The President of the Medical Council describes the last 12 months as "a busy and challenging year".