The Authority has today announced its decision following consideration of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service decision in the case of Dr Valerie Murphy.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service decided to suspend Dr Valerie Murphy from practice. The suspension is for 12 months with review. Whilst the Authority has some concerns about the MPTS' consideration of the case, it has concluded that its decision is sufficient to protect the public. The Authority may refer a case to the relevant court if it considers that a relevant decision (a finding, a penalty or both) is not sufficient for the protection of the public.
Mark Stobbs, Director of Scrutiny and Quality said: ‘We extend our sympathy to the family of the young man who sadly died. However, we have concluded that the panel’s decision was not insufficient to protect the public. The doctor has been suspended for 12 months and her fitness to practise will be reassessed. In the meantime, she may not practice.’
ENDS
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Contact:
Christine Braithwaite, Director Standards and Policy
E: Christine.Braithwaite@professionalstandards.org.uk
Reception: 020 7389 8030
Notes to editors
- The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees nine statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK.
- We assess their performance and report to Parliament. We also conduct audits and investigations and can appeal fitness to practise cases to the courts if we consider that sanctions are insufficient to protect the public and it is in the public interest.
- The Standards of Good Regulation are designed to ensure that the regulators are protecting the public but also promoting confidence in health and care professionals and themselves. The Standards cover the regulators’ four core functions: setting and promoting guidance and standards for the profession; setting standards for and quality assuring the provision of education and training; maintaining a register of professionals; and taking action where a professional’s fitness to practise may be impaired.
- We also set standards for organisations holding voluntary registers for health and social care occupations and accredit those that meet them.
- We share good practice and knowledge, conduct research and introduce new ideas to our sector. We monitor policy developments in the UK and internationally and provide advice on issues relating to professional standards in health and social care.
- We do this to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of users of health and social care services and the public. We are an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament.
- Our values are at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are committed to being impartial, fair, accessible and consistent in the application of our values.
- More information about our work and the approach we take is available at www.professionalstandards.org.uk