Anthony Haycroft successfully represented a doctor before a Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal, “MPT”, in a Review Fitness to Practise hearing.
21st August 2026
Anthony Haycroft successfully represented a doctor before a Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal, “MPT”, in August 2026 in a Review Fitness to Practise hearing.
The doctor had been convicted in January 2024 of writing fraudulent prescriptions in his own name and that of patients (some deceased) on several occasions in an 8-month period in 2021. He was given a community order in the criminal court. Before an MPT in August 2025 the GMC sought his erasure on the basis of the seriousness of his conviction. Anthony Haycroft persuaded the MPT to impose a 12-month suspension order with a review. Central to the case was the doctor’s ill-health which led him to commit the offences as he failed to cope with various stresses in his life.
By the review hearing the doctor had not worked for over 2 years and could be regarded as having de-skilled and not having shown an ability to cope with clinical work again. These factors often lead to a finding of current impairment and the defence were prepared to argue for appropriate conditions of practise. However, the MPT accepted Anthony Haycroft’s argument that the doctor had shown sufficient insight, reflection and a plan for safe return to work such that they found that there was no current impairment and the case was closed.
Anthony Haycroft was instructed by Nicola O’Connor of MDDUS, London. Lucy Chapman of Great James Street Chambers presented the case for the GMC.
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