A Dundee doctor who ran a methadone clinic without proper training was suspended for six months.
Dr Dennis Charles Miller, who used to be the sole GP at the Ardler practice, was told by a tribunal that he “currently poses a risk of harm to patients” but has the potential to fix his faults.
Around 1,700 patients were forced to find a new a doctor when NHS Tayside scrapped their contract with the doctor in 2011 after the General Medical Council placed restrictions on him.
Residents are still campaigning for the restoration of full medical services in the area, arguing that a part-time clinic is insufficient.
The Medical Practitioners’ Tribunal Service had found more than 20 allegations against Dr Miller were proved. Most of these involved the prescription of drugs for an addict at his Turnberry Avenue practice.
These included prescribing nitrazepam without the knowledge or agreement of the Drug Problem Service and failing to challenge the patient about his over-use of the medication or encouraging him to reduce his dosage.
Dr Miller, who had admitted the charges, also gave the man the psychiatric medication lithium without specialist advice or tests and the heroin substitute methadone when it was already being prescribed to him.
He also failed a series of professional assessments and shortcomings were found in his clinical care, treatment and relationships with colleagues, including failures to take part in practice meetings, staff training and audits.
Disciplinary panel chairman Dr Brian Alderman said: “Dr Miller had no formal training in drug dependence, despite running a methadone clinic.
“In the assessment team’s view this led to Dr Miller running a sub-standard service which could place patients’ lives in jeopardy.
“It was clear from the assessment report that Dr Miller’s professional performance fell far short of the standards expected of a general practitioner.”
He noted that the doctor had worked as a single-handed GP in a deprived area and was well regarded by his patients.
“Although Dr Miller currently poses a risk of harm to patients, there is evidence that he has been a caring and committed doctor and he has the potential to remedy his failings and deficiencies.
“Therefore, the panel is satisfied that suspension is a proportionate sanction in this case.
“The panel is satisfied that a period of six months sends a message to the doctor, the profession and the public about what it regards as unacceptable conduct.”
Dr Miller, who did not attend the disciplinary hearing, will face a review hearing before the end of his suspension.
Earlier this month the doctor reached an undisclosed financial settlement with four former staff, who had taken him to an employment tribunal claiming they had been unfairly dismissed.
A planning application has been submitted to Dundee City Council to turn his former GP practice into a children’s nursery.