Bradford doctor suspended by General Medical Council

A GMC interim orders panel suspended Dr Abdul Rashid on April 24 for 18 months from the medical register, meaning he may not practise as a doctor.

The reason for the suspension has not been disclosed, although it is not thought to relate to his work at Thornton Medical Centre. A spokesman for the GMC said investigations were continuing and the suspension would be reviewed in six months. It could result in a public hearing.

Dr Rashid had been at the centre of a row over funding levels at Thornton and Denholme medical practice and had declined to sign a temporary 12-month contract with NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds in March.

The contract was awarded to Westcliffe Care UK, however. Dr Rashid had been working for the Thornton practice as a locum GP.

Pat Mulligan, Respect party candidate in the local elections, has posted on the Facebook page Save our NHS Medical Services in Thornton and Denholme, details of a public meeting tonight at 7pm in Thornton Primary School to discuss the future of Thornton Medical Centre with new Bradford West MP George Galloway.

A spokesman for NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds said: “We are aware that a public meeting has been set up by a candidate in the forthcoming local council elections, but have not been party to either the arrangements or the context of the meeting. We have also been informed of Dr Rashid’s suspension by the General Medical Council.

“The Primary Care Trust recently put in place temporary arrangements for the management of Thornton and Denholme Medical Practice following the expiration of Dr Rashid’s contract on 31 March 2012.

“The procurement of a new, longer term provider is going ahead as planned, with a view to commencing services next year.

“Since April 1 2012, Westcliffe Care UK – a group of family doctors who also run a well-established practice in Shipley – has been the provider of services at Thornton and Denholme Medical Practice.”