Cleared GP struck off NHS list

By Annie Davidson

A GP who was cleared of a string of indecent assault charges will not be allowed to return to work as an NHS doctor.

An NHS tribunal has removed Dr Abdullah Hoodbhoy from the medical list after Essex Health Authority applied to have him taken off on the grounds of alleged improper practice.

He was cleared of indecent assault charges at Chelmsford Crown Court in May last year.

Dr Hoodbhoy, 58, of Long Road West, Dedham, had denied 14 charges of indecent assault on nine women at the Riverside Health Centre in Manningtree between 1999 and 2001.

Tom Stewart, director of heath improvement at Tendring Primary Care Trust, said yesterday: "Tendring Primary Care Trust has been informed today of the decision of the NHS tribunal to remove Dr Hoodbhoy from the medical list.

"Arrangements are in place for the care of Dr Hoodbhoy's patients and they will shortly receive a letter from the PCT outlining future plans."

Following his acquittal, Dr Hoodbhoy applied to the NHS tribunal to be allowed to return to practice as a GP.

However, he remained suspended pending a further hearing after the health authority's request to have him removed from the list.

The tribunal hearing was held in private and Dr Hoodbhoy has the right of appeal.

Cover by locum GPs has been provided for Dr Hoodbhoy's patients since his suspension.

Last night he declined to comment on the decision or say whether he would be appealing.

Richard Ling, who is on Lawford parish and Tendring district councils and is clerk to Mistley Parish Council, said there had been a lot of support for Dr Hoodbhoy.

He said: "Mistley Parish Council wrote a letter to the health authority in his support.

"There had been a lot of complaints from people who wanted him back. I know there was a lot of support for him in the local community."