GMC INVESTIGATES DRUG-TREATMENT CLINIC

SEVEN doctors at a private clinic for heroin addicts were accused last
night of serious professional misconduct for their controversial treatment
of drug users.

In the largest case ever heard at the General Medical Council (GMC), six
men and one woman are alleged to have prescribed excessive amounts of
medication, the wrong types of medication and irresponsible combinations of
drugs such as methadone and rohypnol.

One patient died when he was sent away with a "DIY home detox" kit after
visiting the Stapleford Centre, which has branches in Belgravia, in central
London, and Stapleford Tawney, in Essex. The 29-year-old choked on his own
vomit in his sleep after taking the cocktail of drugs, which included
diazepam and temazepam.

The string of mis-prescription allegations relates to 16 patients,
stretching back to 1990.

The team of doctors, which includes the founder of the two clinics, Dr
Colin Brewer, is also accused of failing to take steps to ensure that the
prescribed drugs did not end up being sold on the black market. The case,
at the GMC's headquarters in central London, was adjourned until today.