BBC News Norfolk reports -
Cancer doctor Henry Mannings
banned from giving drugs
Dr Henry Mannings set up Star Throwers three years ago to help people with just days to liveThis is Streetlife.com -
Question mark over future of Norfolk cancer charity after complaint against founder
By Adam GrettonWednesday, November 28, 2012
11:11 AM
11:11 AM
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| Dr Henry Mannings in his office at the Star Throwers cancer support charity in Wymondham. |
Dr Henry Mannings, formed Star Throwers at a former GP surgery in the town, three years ago to provide more support to cancer patients and their families.
However, the charity’s future is in doubt after a complaint was made about the NHS-registered doctor to the General Medical Council (GMC) surrounding his treatment of two patients.
An Interim Orders Panel (IOP) of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) placed conditions on Dr Mannings’ ability to practise at a hearing on Tuesday, whilst an investigation continues.
One of the 18 month-long conditions is that he must confine his prescribing to posts within the NHS and not prescribe any medications in private practice.
It comes after a consultant made an allegation that Dr Manning gave chemotherapy to two patients with terminal cancer without authorisation.
The treatments relate to Rachel Lane, 27, and Thelma Dowsett, 78, who both died last month. However, their families have praised the treatment received from Dr Mannings and Star Throwers and said his help had extended their loved ones’ lives.
Star Throwers, an independent advice, therapy, and drop-in centre in Melton Road, Wymondham, was established in late 2009 by Dr Mannings, who has worked for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich and the James Paget Hospital.
Dr Mannings, an oncology specialist, established the charity in frustration at the lack of support for people living with cancer.
Families helped by Star Throwers are writing letters of support for Dr Mannings to the GMC.
Former patient Lester London, 90, of Wymondham, who he was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition ataxia six years ago, said he had no doubt that Dr Mannings had helped prolong his life. He added that he was “shocked” when he heard a complaint had been made against his former doctor
“He is a fantastic chap and I feel indebted to him and he has managed to keep me going. He is a real doctor and is able to talk to people and be sympathetic,” he said.
Dr Mannings has also been told that he must inform the GMC of any new posts in the medical profession and allow the GMC to exchange information with his employer or any contracting body for which he provides medical services.
A spokesman for the MPTS said the IOP has made no judgement on any allegations against the doctor. The IOP will review its conditions in six months.
Dr Mannings was unavailable for comment yesterday.
 |  We need to care for the person, even when caring is difficult, and not kill the person who is difficult to care for.
Alex Schadenberg
|
"there are too many of them - it won’t make any difference."
As the boy threw another starfish back into the sea, he smiled and replied -
"it made a difference to that one!""
WEDNESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2012
Star Throwers Statement regarding the Interim Orders Panel Hearing for Dr Henry Mannings on Tuesday 27th November 2012
We would like to make it fully clear we understand the purpose of the GMC Interim Orders Panel is to ensure patient safety, which we are in full agreement with.
Dr Mannings attended a GMC Interim Orders Panel hearing on Tuesday 27th November 2012, after which the GMC have concluded that there are no grounds for suspension. However, they have decided to restrict Dr Mannings' prescribing of medication to within NHS premises only.
Star Throwers charity will remain open as usual, with Dr Mannings continuing to offer advice and support to cancer patients and their families.
The restriction is based on the allegations of one oncology consultant at one hospital, and is despite the fact that the two patients mentioned in the allegations had significantly benefitted from the therapy they had received from Dr Mannings. At no time have there been complaints from any of Dr Mannings’ patients or their families.
The loss of prescribing ability at Star Throwers is a loss to many of the patients who have been given up on by their own oncologist.
It is important to note that the IOP's decision is based "on the interest of patient safety" and has no bearing regarding any findings of fact or the veracity of the allegations.
Although we are not allowed to discuss the details of the Interim Orders Panel's decision report, we find the decision made by the panel difficult to understand considering the overwhelming evidence produced in favour of Dr Mannings, particularly by experienced senior oncologists, a professor of oncology, nurses and pharmacists.
We hope that there will be a full public GMC hearing, whose purpose is to decide the veracity of the allegations, within the next 18 months so that the true facts of this case will become evident.
Dr Mannings would like to express how touched he is by the hundreds of letters written and phone calls in support of Dr Mannings and all the staff at Star Throwers.
Dr Mannings attended a GMC Interim Orders Panel hearing on Tuesday 27th November 2012, after which the GMC have concluded that there are no grounds for suspension. However, they have decided to restrict Dr Mannings' prescribing of medication to within NHS premises only.
Star Throwers charity will remain open as usual, with Dr Mannings continuing to offer advice and support to cancer patients and their families.
The restriction is based on the allegations of one oncology consultant at one hospital, and is despite the fact that the two patients mentioned in the allegations had significantly benefitted from the therapy they had received from Dr Mannings. At no time have there been complaints from any of Dr Mannings’ patients or their families.
The loss of prescribing ability at Star Throwers is a loss to many of the patients who have been given up on by their own oncologist.
It is important to note that the IOP's decision is based "on the interest of patient safety" and has no bearing regarding any findings of fact or the veracity of the allegations.
Although we are not allowed to discuss the details of the Interim Orders Panel's decision report, we find the decision made by the panel difficult to understand considering the overwhelming evidence produced in favour of Dr Mannings, particularly by experienced senior oncologists, a professor of oncology, nurses and pharmacists.
We hope that there will be a full public GMC hearing, whose purpose is to decide the veracity of the allegations, within the next 18 months so that the true facts of this case will become evident.
Dr Mannings would like to express how touched he is by the hundreds of letters written and phone calls in support of Dr Mannings and all the staff at Star Throwers.
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