Fatal overdose GP 'irresponsible'

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A Cumbrian GP was "irresponsible" in his care of two patients who he injected with six times the correct dose of painkiller - killing one.

The General Medical Council (GMC) said Dr Michael Stevenson's actions fell "far below" expected standards.

In 2007 the 57-year-old was spared jail after admitting the manslaughter of patient Marjorie Wright, in Workington.

The GP, from Bootle, near Millom, now faces being struck off after the GMC disciplinary panel hearing.

It should be standard practice for a general practitioner to check the dosage Prof Ken HobbsGMC panel chairman

Dr Stevenson was given a suspended jail term after admitting the manslaughter of grandmother Ms Wright at her home in January 2005.

He accidentally gave the 58-year-old a 30mg dose of diamorphine instead of 5mg. She was found dead when police broke into her home shortly after.

On his next visit for the CueDoc out-hours GP service, he administered an identical overdose to a 59-year-old builder, known as Mr E, who suffered an immediate respiratory arrest.

The patient survived after paramedics were called and gave him a vital antidote.

The GP, who was working in Seascale at the time, denied his fitness to practise was impaired and said he regretted the errors.

'Dangerous substance'

But panel chairman Prof Ken Hobbs said: "It should be standard practice for a general practitioner to check the dosage given on any occasion.

"It is even more imperative to do so when administering a potentially dangerous substance such as diamorphine.

"Furthermore, the panel is gravely concerned that after administering the injection, Dr Stevenson must have left Mrs Wright on her own without having stayed to observe her for long enough to monitor adequately her reaction to the medication.

"In this respect, the panel considers that Dr Stevenson was irresponsible in his aftercare."

Dr Stevenson faces being struck off the medical register, but has previously vowed never to practise again.

He remains on an interim suspension order, meaning he cannot work as a doctor.