Anger as GP banned

SUPPORT has been voiced for a GP banned from working as an NHS doctor, despite being cleared of a string of indecent assault charges.

Dr Abdullah Hoodbhoy will not be allowed to return to his Manningtree practice following his acquittal last year.

The 58-year-old was cleared at Chelmsford Crown Court of 14 charges of indecent assault on nine women at the Riverside Health Centre between 1999 and 2001.

He then applied to the NHS tribunal to be allowed to return to work as a GP but this move was opposed by Essex Health Authority which applied to have Dr Hoodbhoy removed from the medical list for alleged improper practice.

Now the tribunal has decided to remove Dr Hoodbhoy from the medical list.

He has the right to appeal the decision.

Lawford parish councillor David Smy said he was inundated with calls yesterday after the news broke and many patients had been in tears.

He said many patients wanted Dr Hoodbhoy, of Long Road West, Dedham, to return to his practice.

"I have been on Lawford Parish Council since 1995 and I have been a patient since 1988 and I find the whole thing ludicrous," said Mr Smy.

"The man has been cleared by a crown court jury and now it has been decided that he is not fit enough to be a doctor.

"In my eyes that is the criminal offence. If someone is cleared by a jury they are innocent.

Before Dr Hoodbhoy's trial a petition in support of him was gathered. Mr Smy said it was possible another would be started.

"This guy has done so much for the people of Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford over the years," Mr Smy added. "I speak for a lot of people when I say they are devastated."

A spokesman for Tendring Primary Care Trust said a locum doctor had been caring for Dr Hoodbhoy's patients and they would be informed when a permanent replacement was found.