Three Wise Men

No Guiding Star for Dr David Goodhead

Of course, when the words " Three Wise Men" are uttered at Christmas we think of the Three Kings.

Back in the good old days of Hazard NHS County, the NHS had the "Three Wise Men" procedure. This document tells us a little about it.

"The new procedure replaced the disciplinary procedures contained in circular HC(90)9, as well as the Special Professional Panels ('the three wise men") provided for in HC(82)13 and abolished the right of appeal to the Secretary of State held by certain practitioners under Paragraph 190 of the Terms and Conditions of Service. NHS Trusts were required to incorporate the framework into their local procedures by June 2005"

This is also an interesting document. It states

" This procedure was recommended in Circular HM(60)45 for providing a means whereby a doctor in the hospital service in England and Wales thought to be incompetent through illness but seemingly unwilling to seek advice could be assessed by his peers. The "Three Wise Men" are acting as advisers to the Area or Regional Medical Officer.

Documents relating to a " Three Wise Men" investigation were subpoenaed by the Normansfield Committee of Inquiry. Although they were handled with discretion and care by the Inquiry, details of a later psychiatric assessment prompted by the " Three Wise Men" were revealed [ without permission of the psychiatrist who made the assessment] and were publicised. This has given rise to a considerable lack of confidence in the system.

The method of appointment of the "three wise men" varies greatly ; in some areas they are appointed as a case arises, in others they are a standing body. Like wise awareness of their existence and of their identity is extremely variable, and the modus operandi of the "three wise men" also shows great variation. In some cases the sick doctor being interviewed may be unaware that he is taking part in an official inquiry"

And there we have it, this is how the NHS used to deal with sick doctors. Elizabeth Miller may have more knowledge regarding these issues.

I first discovered the amusingly named " Three Wise Men" during the onslaught between Dr David Goodhead and myself. Dr Goodhead is the consultant head honcho at Doncaster NHS Trust, an ex Wise Man and an ex GMC Assessor. As Dr Goodhead's track record shows, he failed to notice that a applicant lied on their Section 12[2] application form. The applicant [GMC number 5206241] had a criminal record. Dr Goodhead remained oblivious to this and rubber stamped the doctor's Section 12[2] approval.

The applicant was given a warning by the GMC after they discovered this but continues to be Section 12[2] approved. Even more amusingly he appointed a "consultant" [ Dr Anders Skarsten] who wasn't on the specialist register at the time onto the Section 12[2] panel. Dr Skarsten disapproved of any "Litigious stances" taken by anyone else and made this known to Dr Goodhead.

Skarsten then decided to litigate against Northampton Mental Health Trust on the " mental health card" :). We wonder whether this was a "litigious stance". Surely not! Details of the case can be read here. While Dr Skarsten was "pulling" the mental health card, he was writing endlessly long statements in support of Dr Goodhead and his team. He admitted to no mental illness at the time. Indeed, he seemed in fine fettle. He was probably in even finer fettle following the massive settlement he obtained from Northampton Mental Health Trust. So having been "so mentally ill" thereby using the " Disability Discrimination Act", Dr Skarsten [ GMC 3494514] obtained enough "experience" to be on the specialist register in 2007. So clearly by 2007, Dr Skarsten miraculously recovered following his settlement figure. Miracles do happen in the NHS of course especially to Dr Skarsten. Dr Skarsten has a high number of complaints from juniors who have accused him of bullying/victimisation. Dr Skarsten was the referee for Section 12[2] applicant [GMC 5206241] who concealed his criminal record.

Was Goodhead ever a wise man?! :).