A FORMER Stafford Hospital doctor has been spared a tribunal appearance after agreeing to accept restrictions to his practise.
Roderic Hutchinson was set to appear before a hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service today (Monday 18) after refusing to accept restrictions recommended by the General Medical Council (GMC) meant to protect patients.
Mr Hutchison was due to stand a Fitness to Practise panel to consider a case of ‘impairment by reason of deficient professional performance’ and allegations that the standard of his professional performance was ‘unacceptable in the area of working with colleagues’ and a cause for concern in areas relating to clinical care and his relationships with patients.
A spokesman for the GMC said Mr Hutchinson’s legal team had indicated the surgeon had agreed to accept ‘a package of restrictions’ and as a result the hearing had been cancelled.
“These restrictions are called undertakings and are a commitment given by the doctor to the GMC and often include supervision or training,” he said.
“Mr Hutchinson's undertakings will be made publicly available on the GMC's online medical register and he will be monitored at regular intervals to ensure he is complying with them.
“The powers given to the GMC are designed to protect patients rather than punish doctors but we will not hesitate to take firm action against those doctors who breach our standards.”
