DOCTOR FACES TRIBUNAL OVER PATIENT'S CARE

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A Postman is part of the story

07:30 - 04 January 2008

A psychiatrist involved in the care of a schizophrenic who killed a Plymouth postman is to face a medical misconduct hearing.

Retired consultant psychiatrist Dr Howard David James faces allegations that his "actions or inactions" relating to an unnamed patient were "inappropriate, unprofessional and irresponsible".

He is due to appear before a General Medical Council (GMC) fitness to practise panel in London on Monday.

It is understood the hearing could be linked to the case of a psychiatric patient who attacked and killed city postman Roy Warnes, 61, in May 2002.

The Herald has previously reported Dr James was involved in the mental health patient's care and, in May 2002, was notified about the man's recent "antisocial behaviour".

A GMC document states the panel will examine allegations against Dr James relating to his treatment of a patient - described only as 'Mr A' - between January 2001 and May 2002.

The document states: "It is alleged that on two occasions, Dr James took no action following receipt of letters regarding the mental health status of Mr A.

"It is also alleged that Dr James received a further letter from Mr A's GP, which indicated concern that Mr A did not appear to be receiving suitable care, and that Dr James did not make a referral for assessment by the assertive outreach team."

It continues that Dr James "failed to recognise the situation as a psychiatric emergency and failed to record any plan of action to deal with the emergency".

Dr James is a registered doctor who has faced no previous GMC hearings.

Plymouth Primary Care Trust (PCT) underwent internal and independent investigation following the postman's death.

A schizophrenic, in the care of the Plymouth PCT-run mental health service in 2003, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court.

The court decided he was too ill to be jailed and he spent three years under psychiatric care

The South West Peninsula Strategic Health Authority found there were a series of failings in care the patient received. It made 23 recommendations which were put into an action plan which has been implemented by the PCT.

In November 2005, The Herald reported the patient was to be released into the community following a review by the PCT's mental health review tribunal.