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Fatal overdose GP 'irresponsible'

(BBC 11/09/2009)

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.

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Police await Gosport deaths file

(BBC 21/04/2009)

Hampshire's chief constable says he is keeping an "open mind" about reopening an inquiry into deaths at a hospital until he has seen the coroner's report. An inquest jury looked into 10 deaths at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital in the late 1990s and found three were given "inappropriate medication" (diamorphine). Chief Constable Alex Marshall said there were no plans to reopen the case but he would look at the verdict. Police looked into the treatment of 92 patients but no charges were brought.

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Patient inquests to take evidence

(BBC 19/03/2009)

Inquests are being held at Portsmouth Coroner's Court into the deaths of 10 patients at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital (GWMH) more than 10 years ago, allegedly over-prescribed painkillers. Elsie Lavender, 84, was transferred to the hospital after suffering a stroke. Her son Alan thought she was recovering well but when she got to GWMH she rapidly deteriorated, jurors heard.

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