Tayside cancer probe doctor in NHS suspension

Scotland’s senior medical officer for oncology steps down from role

A top doctor who had a key role in investigating a breast cancer treatment scandal at NHS Tayside has withdrawn from his Scottish Government job after being suspended by his own health board.

Dr David Dunlop, Scotland’s senior medical officer for oncology, has stepped down from the position while an investigation is carried out into his work as chief of medicine at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

It is understood the disciplinary action relates entirely to his work with the Glasgow health board, for which he manages more than 250 surgeons and physicians, and is not connected to his position as senior medical officer.

NHS bosses refused to comment on what had led to Dr Dunlop’s suspension.

The cancer specialist will remain away from his Scottish Government post for the full duration of the suspension and is “subject to any further action”.

Dr Dunlop played a central role in a Scottish Government-commissioned review of breast cancer treatment in Tayside last year after it emerged around 200 patients had been given lower levels of chemotherapy.

He chaired the immediate review group (IRG) tasked with conducting a risk assessment of clinical practice in Tayside.

It said patients were likely to have been put at a 1-2% increased risk of having their cancer return.

The IRG’S findings were disputed by a number of cancer experts and The Courier revealed in September one group member had described its methods in a leaked email as “flawed, probably, but the best that could be done”.

Dr Dunlop was further criticised by a patients’ group set up to support those affected by the treatment.

Its founder said meetings had left her with “an ever-increasing list of questions that have yet to be answered to any reasonable degree of satisfaction”.

The Scottish Government confirmed Dr Dunlop will not return to his role while he is suspended.

A spokesman said: “The Cabinet secretary has been made aware of this suspension, which does not relate to the work he has undertaken for the Scottish Government.

“Dr Dunlop has withdrawn from his role as senior medical officer for Scottish Government for the period of the suspension and subject to any further action.”

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We do not comment on individual cases.”

NHS Tayside has confirmed the same chemotherapy dosage regimens are now being offered to patients as in the rest of Scotland.