Doctor fails in bid to overturn GMC ruling

A DOCTOR who had an affair with a vulnerable patient has lost his bid to be allowed to practise again.

Gordon Carter, 54, was struck off in 2015 after an eight-month ‘‘cloak and dagger’’ relationship with a woman suffering from mental-health issues.

At the time, bosses at the General Medical Council dubbed his actions “fundamentally incompatible” with continuing as a family GP.

And this week, his attempt to overturn that decision was rejected by judges – as more than a dozen of his supporters looked on in court.

Last night, patients’ representatives insisted he had irreparably broken the bond of trust between doctors and those they treat.

Margaret Watt, chair of Scotland Patients’ Association, said: “If he did it once, how do we know he won’t do it again?

“The public will have lost trust in him.”

Mr Carter, from Insch in Aberdeenshire, began his affair with the woman – known as Patient A – in early 2014, months after he started treating her for “emotional difficulties”.

On New Year’s Day, he texted: “Happy New Year from your favourite doctor.” An exchange of texts followed.

But later that month, it is claimed Mr Carter decided they could no longer see each other socially or professionally.

The woman told 2015’s tribunal hearing the move “completely derailed” her, and she began self-harming again.

However, the relationship was quickly rekindled, and the pair allegedly began meeting outside Huntly, where his Bydand Medical Group GP clinic was based, and in secluded locations – including a graveyard.

The original hearing heard they first slept together at his house in Insch after he suggested she get the train over.

But despite their relationship becoming common knowledge, it ended in October when Patient A heard rumours the doctor had been seen with another woman.

Mr Carter was then reported to the General Medical Council after a complaint was made by Patient A’s former psychologist.

The doctor has received the backing of more than 1000 locals, with his then-MP Alex Salmond even writing to the initial tribunal asking them to consider the level of support.

But at the Court of Session in Edinburgh earlier this week, Lord Duncan Menzies said there were no grounds on which to overturn the GMC’s decision and replace it with a suspension.

He said: “The appellant initiated and maintained a sexual relationship with a woman who was not only a patient, but a vulnerable patient.”

He added: “We are unable to say that the panel’s disposal was excessive or disproportionate – we cannot say it was plainly wrong.

“Accordingly, this appeal must be refused.”

Mr Carter is vice chairman of Highland League football side Huntly FC and is still listed as the club’s doctor.

Representatives of Huntly FC could not be reached for comment to confirm whether he would remain on the board of directors.