A POOLE medical practice is to be shut down following the sacking of a GP who is under investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The decision to close the West Canford Heath practice in Ryall Road has been taken by NHS Bournemouth and Poole following consultation with the 1,100 registered patients, local GPs, councillors and MPs.

The issue is due to be discussed by councillors at a meeting of Poole’s health and social care overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday (January 12).

The previous incumbent of the single-handed practice, Dr Ralph Vadas, had his contract terminated last June following a primary care trust probe into “serious allegations” which have never been made public. Since then, the Harvey Practice, which has surgeries in Broadstone and Wimborne, has been providing clinical cover.

Dr Vadas was also suspended by the General Medical Council, which has scheduled a hearing this June.

In 2002, the GMC found Dr Vadas guilty of professional misconduct after failing to spot a patient’s pancreatic cancer, diagnosing it as indigestion.

By the time the correct diagnosis was given, the patient was given just six weeks to live.

The GP, from Canada, was allowed to return to practise after additional training, but has been kept under review.

A report to the overview and scrutiny meeting says that the practice’s list has been falling in numbers and only 65 patients responded to the consultation.

It says access to primary care services in the area is good, with other local practices accepting new patients and able to offer a choice of GPs, extended opening hours and a range of services, including minor surgery and blood testing.

“It was not felt appropriate to maintain the current site as a single-handed practice, in line with national guidance arising from the Shipman inquiry,” adds the report.

“The establishment of a branch surgery was not supported as it would not have been possible to offer patients the breadth and quality of services that a main site is able to offer.”

Patients will be contacted and given help with registering at a new practice.