'Leeches joke' doctor faces GMC

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A gynaecologist accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a patient is alleged to have developed an emotional relationship with her.

Dr Adrian Barnett, 40, a consultant at Harrogate and District NHS Trust, is facing a GMC fitness-to-practise panel.

It was alleged that during his care of author Julia Clarke, 57, he caused her to become dependent on him.

He joked about putting leeches on her genitals as it was the only thing left he could do for her, the panel heard.

The author, who writes for teenagers and has had six novels published, underwent a series of operations in December 2004 and January 2005 after suffering a prolapse.

Richard Pearce, for the GMC, said: "There were a number of inappropriate comments made by Mr Barnett, perhaps something of an indication as to how the relationship was developing in a different way to the usual doctor-patient relationship."

Clinical depression

Mrs Clarke said she turned to Dr Barnett when she became unhappy with the treatment she was receiving from another doctor at the same time.

Repeated surgery had left her clinically depressed and suicidal, she added, and Dr Barnett had offered to help her.

He said she could call him any time if she was feeling suicidal.

"It was too much for him to offer," said Mrs Clarke.

"I know how difficult it is to help people with mental health problems, with emotional problems, and I didn't think it was a practical suggestion."

Mrs Clarke began seeing a psychiatrist, who told her that her relationship with married father Dr Barnett had developed into more of a friend-based relationship than a doctor-patient one, the panel was told.

Dr Barnett faces charges that his conduct was inappropriate; an abuse of his professional position; not in the best interest of the patient and not of the standard expected by a medical professional.

The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday.