TWO family doctors from the same practice are facing allegations of serious professional misconduct.

Dr Kaukutla Venkat Reddy and Dr Narayana Reddy, have been summoned by the General Medical Council to attend hearings of the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) in Manchester.

It is understood that they both practice in Seaham, County Durham. Both face allegations which, if proven, could lead to them being suspended or struck off.

The committee will inquire into allegations that Dr Kaukutla Venkat Reddy, failed to make an adequate assessment of the seriousness of a patient's condition; failed to provide or arrange adequate investigations or treatment of a patient's condition, and that his clinical care was inadequate and/or inappropriate, and/or below the standards of clinical care that a patient could reasonably expect.

In Dr Narayana Reddy's case the PCC will inquire into allegations that he failed to keep accurate patient records or to provide or arrange adequate investigations or treatment of a patient's condition.

It is also alleged that Dr Narayana Reddy failed to provide or arrange adequate investigations or treatment of a patient's condition, and that his clinical care was inadequate and/or inappropriate, and/or below the standards of clinical care that a patient could reasonably expect.

Both GPs are due to attend hearings today.

A County Durham and Tees Valley Health Authority spokeswoman said: "This matter is not known to us. It must have been a direct referral to the GMC by the patient."