Alternative Doctor Places Patients at Risk

The General Medical Council (GMC) ordered Dr Michael Kirkman to be struck off the medical register for making false and misleading claims for his alternative remedies this month.

Dr Kirkman claimed he could cure Cystic Fibrosis, Arthritis, AIDS, Cancer and ME with a course of remedies made up of the patients own blood and urine.

Chairman of the committee, Mr Rodney Yates commented "We are gravely concerned that these treatments could have provided false and dangerous reassurance to vulnerable patients with ME, life-threatening illnesses and AIDS".

"While complementary medicine may have a role in treating such patients, by promoting these particular therapies Dr Kirkman seriously undermined the trust which the public places in the profession to act in the best interests of patients".

Dr Kirkman had denied serious professional misconduct, while the committee heard that some of his therapies were dangerous and could cause kidney failure.

Tuesday, 27 February 2001