MMR doctor wins High Court appeal
An eminent doctor has won his High Court battle against being struck off over the MMR jab controversy.
Professor John Walker-Smith appealed against the General Medical Council's (GMC) determination that he was guilty of serious professional misconduct.
His fight for his reputation was supported by the parents of many children with autism and bowel disease seen by him at the Royal Free Hospital, north London, up to his retirement in 2001.
Mr Justice Mitting, sitting at London's High Court, ruled the GMC decision "cannot stand".
He quashed the finding of professional misconduct and the striking-off.
Calling for changes in the way GMC fitness to practise panel hearings are conducted in the future, the judge said of the flawed handling of Prof Walker-Smith's case: "It would be a misfortune if this were to happen again."
Prof Walker-Smith left court with members of his family, saying: "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my appeal.
"There has been a great burden on me and my family since the allegations were first made in 2004 and throughout the hearing that ran from 2007 to 2010. I am relieved that this matter is now over."
Thanking his friends and supporters, including his own family and many parents and former patients, he added: "I will never forget all the support I have received and I am truly grateful for it. I hope now to enjoy my retirement with my family."
In a written ruling, the judge made it clear the judgment was the end of the case, and the GMC did not intend to appeal.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/uk...bYQjS17G-bCGFZ9WQ?docId=N0955371331115415403A
An eminent doctor has won his High Court battle against being struck off over the MMR jab controversy.
Professor John Walker-Smith appealed against the General Medical Council's (GMC) determination that he was guilty of serious professional misconduct.
His fight for his reputation was supported by the parents of many children with autism and bowel disease seen by him at the Royal Free Hospital, north London, up to his retirement in 2001.
Mr Justice Mitting, sitting at London's High Court, ruled the GMC decision "cannot stand".
He quashed the finding of professional misconduct and the striking-off.
Calling for changes in the way GMC fitness to practise panel hearings are conducted in the future, the judge said of the flawed handling of Prof Walker-Smith's case: "It would be a misfortune if this were to happen again."
Prof Walker-Smith left court with members of his family, saying: "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my appeal.
"There has been a great burden on me and my family since the allegations were first made in 2004 and throughout the hearing that ran from 2007 to 2010. I am relieved that this matter is now over."
Thanking his friends and supporters, including his own family and many parents and former patients, he added: "I will never forget all the support I have received and I am truly grateful for it. I hope now to enjoy my retirement with my family."
In a written ruling, the judge made it clear the judgment was the end of the case, and the GMC did not intend to appeal.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/uk...bYQjS17G-bCGFZ9WQ?docId=N0955371331115415403A