GMC hearing reveals how doctor won deal to have earlier inquiry documents destroyed

A cardiologist who was suspended from practice for 12 months by the General Medical Council last week for using NHS research funds to subsidise his private practice was the subject of an earlier inquiry by his hospital, it was revealed last week.

One of the terms of his severance agreement was that documents used in the internal inquiry would be destroyed, the GMC hearing was told.

Clive Handler, the fundholder for the cardiology research fund at Northwick Park Hospitals NHS Trust between 1995 and 1997, was found guilty by the GMC of serious professional misconduct …