by Jamie Stephens

jstephens@thekmgroup.co.uk

A Kent GP is fighting for his reputation after allegedly discussing his Christian faith with a 'suicidal' patient.

Dr Richard Scott is now the subject of a disciplinary hearing in Manchester after the General Medical Council received a complaint from a mother concerned he was abusing his position by 'pushing religion' on her son.

The 51-year old family GP, who practises at Bethesda Medical Centre in Margate, faces being struck off by the GMC, which has accused him of harrassment.

In response to the complaint made last year, Dr Scott said : "I offered him an opportunity to discuss whether faith in God through Jesus might be an advantage to him."

He added: "I dealt with the medical issues, so to say I merely offered him Jesus is a nonsense."

The GMC is concerned he overstepped the mark and exploited a vulnerable patient - a charge which the Thanet doctor denies.

Two local MPs have leapt to his defence,condemning the GMC for seeking to reprimand Dr Scott.

South Thanet`s MP, Laura Sandys said: "We totally appreciate that medical standards need regulating, but monitoring and then sanctioning doctors on conversations with patients, that do not relate to their medical condition, must be a matter between the individuals and dealt with locally."

She added: "The GMC has over-reacted and needs to put an end to mis-placed activism that is putting a respected doctor's profession on the line."

"This doctor's natural instinct to make reference to Christianity is not a matter for the GMC, it is matter for his conscience and beliefs."

North Thanet MP Roger Gale said: "Nobody is saying that a doctor ought to be a Christian, or of any other faith, but to treat faith as an active disqualification, as the GMC apparently seeks to do, is unacceptable."

He added: "It is not up to the GMC to play God."

Dr Scott is taking legal action against his censure as he is adament no guildelines were breached.

He said: "Most people are aware we're a Christian practice and if anyone doesn't want to speak about it we stop."

The GMC said its guidance was that "doctors should not normally discuss their personal beliefs with patients unless those beliefs are directly relevant to the patient's care.

"They also must not impose their beliefs on patients, or cause distress by the inappropriate or insensitive expression of religious, political or other beliefs or views."

There are three options available to the investigation committee. A warning may be issued which will sit on public record for five years. No warning may be issued or the case could be referred to a Fitness To Practice hearing which would make a judgement on Dr Scott's eligibility to continue in his profession

Dr Scott has so far not given evidence himself due to unforeseen delays on the first day of the disciplinary.

The two-day hearing is expected to return a verdict by the end of today, although it may be adjourned to allow more time for the panel to hear evidence

The case continues.