A DOCTOR who was ‘misleading and dishonest’ when he failed to refer a patient for prostate cancer checks has learned his lesson, according to a watchdog.

Dr Zakir Hussain Khan was suspended for six months by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service after he maintained he had consulted a hospital urologist over the case of a 61-year-old man at his surgery in Colne Road.

The GP, who failed to send the patient for urgent tests, could not recall the name of the specialist and when the alleged conversation had taken place, a misconduct panel was told.

An on-call specialist, called to give evidence as he was on duty ath the time of the alleged conversation, also denied he had spoken with Dr Hussain.

Hospital registrar Khaled Mohammed said that given the patient’s condition, he would have immediately referred the man for tests.

But a review into Dr Khan’s fitness to practice has now ruled he should return to frontline work, after he accepted he had been at fault and undergone further training.

Mario Lambis, speaking for the GP, said several positive testimonials had been submitted on his client’s behalf, and there was ‘clear and unchallenged’ evidence of him being a good doctor, who had changed his ways.

Mr Lambis said the doctor had made a ‘terrible mistake’ two and a half years ago but it was out of character and he had taken remedial action on a ‘catastrophic’ error of judgement, and gained insight about his failings.

Dr Stephen Luckhurst, who acted as a tutor for the GP during his suspension, said: “ He described feelings of remorse and regret and was clear in his determination never to let such an event happen again.”

Ruling that the doctor’s fitness to practice was no longer impaired, review panel chairman Dr Nigel Westwood said: “The tribunal was satisfied that you have addressed the concerns raised (in May).

“It was content that you now appreciate the gravity of your misconduct, that you have reflected upon your misconduct, and that you have now developed sufficient insight into your misconduct to satisfy this tribunal that the risk of repetition is low.”

The three-strong panel sitting in Manchester revoked the doctor’s existing suspension, due to run until December 13, allowing him to resume his practice.