This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/6131762.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Drug clinic founder is struck off Drug clinic founder is struck off
(about 1 hour later)
The founder of a private drug treatment clinic has been struck off the medical register.The founder of a private drug treatment clinic has been struck off the medical register.
Dr Colin Brewer, who headed London's Stapleford Clinic, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the General Medical Council (GMC).Dr Colin Brewer, who headed London's Stapleford Clinic, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the General Medical Council (GMC).
He had faced allegations of inappropriate drug prescribing for patients with addictions.He had faced allegations of inappropriate drug prescribing for patients with addictions.
The case began in 2004, and was brought after a patient died after being sent home with a "DIY detox" kit.The case began in 2004, and was brought after a patient died after being sent home with a "DIY detox" kit.
The 29-year-old man choked on his own vomit in his sleep in September 2001 after taking the cocktail of drugs, including diazepam, rohypnol and temazepam.The 29-year-old man choked on his own vomit in his sleep in September 2001 after taking the cocktail of drugs, including diazepam, rohypnol and temazepam.
In its judgement, the GMC panel said Dr Brewer, who is now retired, fell "seriously short of the standards expected of a medical practitioner".In its judgement, the GMC panel said Dr Brewer, who is now retired, fell "seriously short of the standards expected of a medical practitioner".
It added: "On numerous occasions your practice was found to be irresponsible."It added: "On numerous occasions your practice was found to be irresponsible."
ConditionsConditions
The Stapleford Centre treats people addicted to heroin, alcohol and other drugs.The Stapleford Centre treats people addicted to heroin, alcohol and other drugs.
Two other doctors who worked at the clinic, Hugh Kindness and Ronald Tovey were also found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC.Two other doctors who worked at the clinic, Hugh Kindness and Ronald Tovey were also found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the GMC.
Dr Kindness, who is also retired, received a reprimand from the council which said he was an experienced doctor but inexperienced in the management of drug misusers who had been guided by his colleagues.Dr Kindness, who is also retired, received a reprimand from the council which said he was an experienced doctor but inexperienced in the management of drug misusers who had been guided by his colleagues.
Dr Tovey, who is now director of the Stapleford Centre, had conditions attached to his licence to practice for the next three years.Dr Tovey, who is now director of the Stapleford Centre, had conditions attached to his licence to practice for the next three years.
The GMC said it recognised Dr Tovey had taken steps to modify the way the clinic operated. The GMC said it recognised he had taken steps to modify the way the clinic operated.
Four other doctors at the centre had previously been cleared of serious professional misconduct. In a statement, Dr Tovey said: "I have dedicated my professional career to the treatment of patients suffering from drug addition and I have always tried to act in the best interests of my patients.
"I am delighted that the GMC has decided that I should remain on the medical register and continue to provide treatment to my patients.
"I will now take time to reflect on the determination and will consider the conditions set out by the GMC."
Four other doctors who worked at the centre had previously been cleared of serious professional misconduct.
The case involved the largest ever number of doctors to be jointly charged in a GMC case.The case involved the largest ever number of doctors to be jointly charged in a GMC case.