GMC v Dr X – Dishonesty Does Not Automatically Require A Sanction

Marios Lambis appeared for a trainee doctor who in part admitted and was also found to have been dishonest twice, by a Fitness to Practice Tribunal of the Medical Practioners’ Tribunal Service.

The young anesthetist had undertaken private work whilst working for the National Health Service without seeking permission and had signed and submitted an inaccurate time sheet for payment.

The General Medical Council submitted that only a period of suspension could properly reflect the seriousness of the allegations admitted and found proved.

Marios successfully argued that despite the Tribunal having found the doctor to have been dishonest twice, no sanction was necessary.  He argued that the Tribunal’s findings of misconduct and impairment was sufficient and should not be underestimated in their significance and impact. Further, that any sanction would be disproportionate particularly in the light of the devastating affect it would have the doctor’s prospect of becoming a consultant. At his career level the losing of his National Training Number would mean that his career would effectively be  put back by 5 years.

Marios was instructed by Stewart Duffy of RadcliffesLeBrasseur.