A ST HELENS family doctor has denied claims made before the General Medical Council (GMC) professional conduct committee that he used OAPs as guinea pigs to test new drugs without their knowledge or consent. It is alleged that Dr Geoffrey Fairhust, who practices at Lancaster House in North Road and at Junction Lane, Sutton, forged consent forms allowing him to conduct tests of drugs on elderly patients.

It was also claimed that Dr Fairhust of Warrington, who denies six charges of serious professional misconduct, ordered a practice nurse to produce false reports on heart activity of patients participating in the trials.

Speaking on behalf of the GMC Rosalind Foster stated that Dr Fairhurst had abused a trusted position between 1988 and 1995 while conducting a number of potentially dangerous tests on drugs for the treatment of people suffering from heart conditions and hypertension.

The alleged misconduct was exposed by Dr David Edwards, a former partner in Dr Fairhurst's practice.

Miss Foster continued: "A patient's consent is fundamental and documentation and records are necessary.'

She said that a danger of using people unknowingly in drugs trials could lead to inaccurate information which would form a basis for new drugs to be released to the public. And as a result there was a risk of "grave danger to the public".

A statement from St Helens and Knowsley Health said: "A hearing of the above case by the General Medical Council in London commenced on Tuesday, March 19.

"St Helens and Knowsley Family Health Services Authority first became aware last year through the ex partners of the practice of alleged irregularities in the documentation of patients undergoing drug trials.

"GPs are independent contractors and the FHSA has no power to suspend or investigate matters of professional misconduct.

"The FHSA has co-operated fully with the GMC in their investigation of the irregularities in the documentation concerning drug trials undertaken by Dr Fairhurst, they are not to our knowledge investigating the medical treatment of his patients. But clearly this is an issue which will be clarified during the investigation.

"The GMC contacted Dr Fairhurst's patients directly to seek information, St Helens and Knowsley Health await the outcome of the hearing which is expected be concluded later this week."

ST HELENS and Knowsley Health Authority are fully aware that some concerned patients may wish to seek more information. Patients who attend either of Dr Fairhurst's practices, with any questions, should contact Brian Goodinson on 01744 457206, or Judith Reid on 01744 457300.

THE hearing continues.

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