A FAMILY doctor appeared before the General Medical Council yesterday, accused of serious professional misconduct.

Dr Nabil Naroz, who lives in Hett Hills, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, stood before the Professional Conduct Committee, in Manchester, to face allegations about the way he treated three patients at the Trinity Medical Centre, New George Street, South Shields, where he was a GP at the time.

It is alleged that in 1996, a patient was referred to a gynaecologist by a locum GP at the practice but Dr Naroz cancelled the appointment and failed to discuss his decision with the GP or his patient.

In May 1997, it is alleged another patient attended South Tyneside Hospital A&E department and an appointment was made for her to see a consultant general surgeon.

In the meantime, it is said she twice saw Dr Naroz and he told her he had cancelled her hospital appointment and he would perform the surgery.

He faces allegations of misconduct about the treatment of a terminal cancer sufferer.

It is alleged that in the three months preceding her death, Dr Naroz gave her high doses of oral morphine without arranging any follow-up review and failed to make it easy for her to contact him.

The hearing, expected to last seven days, has been adjourned for legal arguments, as Dr Naroz's legal team have submitted evidence which they said should mean the charges are dropped.