02.02.2007

If you or someone you know

A government white paper on tackling rogue doctors, which is also expected to target alternative health practitioners, will be unveiled by health minister in February 2007. Alternative therapists are to be regulated by the Government under a crackdown on medical practitioner who physically and sexually abuse their patients. At this time there are up to 100,000 talking therapists operating in Britain but there is no compulsory regulation to monitor their work. By contrast, doctors can be struck off the register and no longer practice if they are found to be incompetent or have undertaken in unethical behaviour and the General Medical Council's code of conduct bans sex with current and former patients.

The White Paper will start an overhaul of the regulation procedures which will call for a change from criminal to civil standards of proof in disciplinary proceedings, making it easier to strike off those who are involved indecently with patients.

Irwin Mitchell Solicitors believe that it is important for all therapists and medical practitioners to be strictly regulated to prevent a repeat of the Harold Shipman case and a series of serious sexual abuse cases and applaud Ministers for taking this matter forward.

 
has suffered abuse at the hands of doctor, therapist or alternative healer then our team of specialist lawyers may be able to help you. Please contact us for initial free advice. Any information will be in the strictest confidence.