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Blackwood GP's practice restrictions extended
A GWENT GP under police investigation for three years over the care of vulnerable patients at a care home he owns had restrictions on his practice extended.
Dr Prana Ballava Das, of Pengam Road, Blackwood, has been investigated by Gwent Police since 2005.
Police launched a probe over the deaths of several infirm residents at Brithdir Care Home, in New Tredegar.
But it has never been proved Dr Das did anything wrong and he has never been charged with a criminal offence.
Interim restrictions were placed on his practice in 2006 by the General Medical council (GMC).
These include conditions that he has to inform the GMC if he takes up any new clinical position, and he can not be involved in the clinical care of patients in a care home in which he has a financial interest.
Dr Das wrote to top High Court judge Mr Justice Blair, saying it was unfair to keep the restrictions in place for so long as he has a spotless criminal record and nothing has been proved against him.
But despite expressing sympathy for Dr Das, Mr Justice Blair extended the conditions for a further 12 months.
At the Royal Courts of Justice, lawyers for the GMC said it was "in the public interest" to continue the restrictions, which they said were "proportionate to the serious nature of the allegations facing Dr Das."
Mr Justice Blair said: "The allegations, if proved, are plainly of some concern, relating to the care of elderly and demented patients."
The judge said the restrictions were in the interests of protecting both patients and the public, and he did not think they were too obstructive to Dr Das' clinical practice.
He added: "It is unsatisfactory that Dr Das finds himself in the position he does. The police inquiries have not resulted in charges, let alone a date for a trial, or anything of the sort.
"Nevertheless, the matters do raise serious and important concerns."
After the hearing, a Gwent Police spokesman confirmed that an investigation into the care of adults at a care home home formerly known as Brithdir Care Home is under way.
He said the force will not name any individuals involved in the investigation or give any further information, and added: "To disclose any other details may jeopardise the investigation."
11:53am Friday 9th May 2008
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