Britney parents to sue practice
Britney’s grieving parents Annette and
Raymond.
Britney, 16, died last July after taking an overdose of anti- anxiety pills that had been prescribed by a trainee GP.
Earlier this month The Sunday Post revealed how a General Medical Council investigation cleared the doctor of causing Britney’s death.
But mum Annette McKenzie has revealed she is now planning to sue – and has instructed lawyers to recover damages.
“I owe it to her to do the right thing and seek justice,” said Annette, 35, of Glasgow.
“I have spoken to a lawyer and instructed him to seek ways of taking action. My partner and Britney’s dad, Raymond, feel we cannot let this rest.”
Britney sought medical help after being subjected to vile Facebook bullying.
Her doctor prescribed powerful medication which she used to kill herself.
The incident prompted mum Annette to complain to the GMC medical watchdog. But its probe totally exonerated the GP.
It ruled a tribunal “would be
Britney, pictured with her mum, was subjected to bullying online. unlikely to find her fitness to expert opinion to pursue a claim practise is currently impaired” for civil damages. and said the “case should be “The steps I am being asked to closed with no action”. pursue for the family involve the
Crucially, it added it was clear instruction of an independent she had offered to refer Britney opinion from an expert GP to a specialist, but the offer was witness. declined. “They will provide an opinion
The GP at the centre of the as to where the treatment Britney case argued it was not clear received fell below the standard Britney was suffering from of the ordinary skill and care of depression and that – as a the GP or any responsible party 16- year- old – she had the full supervising this doctor.” capacity to make her own deciAnnette has raised a petition sions and there was no reason to in the Scottish Parliament to suspect that capacity was support her call for doctors to impaired. consult a trusted adult when
Last night, personal injury prescribing powerful medication specialist solicitor Nick Gordon to people under 18. It is being confirmed he is acting on behalf i nvestigated by Holyrood’s of Britney’s parents. Petitions Committee.
Mr Gordon, a partner at law The Glasgow-based practice at firm John Henderson And Sons, the centre of the action refused said: “There is a reasonable basis to comment when contacted by to investigate the necessary The Sunday Post.