North London Neurologist Receives 12-Month Ban for Serious Professional Misconduct
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has suspended Dr Desmond Kidd, a consultant neurologist formerly of Camden's Royal Free Hospital, from practising medicine for one year following multiple findings of dishonesty and patient endangerment. The tribunal determined that Dr Kidd's fitness to practise was impaired and that he presented a genuine risk to patient safety through his actions.
Fabricated Diagnosis and Dangerous Prescriptions
The disciplinary panel found that Dr Kidd knowingly prescribed medication for a patient, referred to as 'Patient B', despite being fully aware that she did not require the treatment. He then proceeded to lie to pharmacists about her condition, falsely claiming she suffered from a rare immune disorder even though test results clearly contradicted this diagnosis. This deception placed Patient B at significant risk of infection, allergic reactions, and potentially life-threatening blood clots.
When colleagues challenged his treatment plan, Dr Kidd doubled down on his falsehoods, insisting there was clear evidence from test results to support his fabricated diagnosis. The tribunal described his actions as persistent dishonesty that constituted serious misconduct.
Unauthorized Patient Contact and Medical Record Access
Following his resignation from the Royal Free Hospital in March 2022 during an ongoing investigation, Dr Kidd continued to maintain contact with former patients, providing them with unauthorized clinical advice regarding blood tests, scan results, and medication. When confronted about this inappropriate conduct by a colleague, he denied any wrongdoing.
More alarmingly, Dr Kidd attempted to access confidential medical records of former patients, including MRI scan results, by sending requests using his old work email address. The tribunal noted this created additional dangers because patients' new doctors remained unaware they were receiving conflicting medical advice, potentially jeopardizing their ongoing care.
False Research Credentials and Lack of Remorse
Beyond his clinical misconduct, Dr Kidd further undermined public trust by falsely claiming affiliation with the prestigious Institute of Immunity and Transplantation at University College London. Despite being an experienced academic, he authored at least four articles asserting this connection, which the institute's director categorically denied.
Dr Kidd refused to attend the hearing or provide evidence in his defense. In correspondence with the General Medical Council (GMC), he characterized the disciplinary proceedings as an egregious and authoritarian act, suggesting his former hospital had ulterior motives related to his planned retirement and specialized unit transfer.
His legal representatives argued that the Royal Free Hospital failed to make proper arrangements for his highly specialized patients, who contacted him for reassurance following his departure. However, the tribunal found no evidence of genuine remorse or insight from Dr Kidd regarding his repeated dishonesty.
Immediate Suspension and Professional Consequences
The MPTS panel acknowledged Dr Kidd's previously unblemished career and noted he appeared to have been misguided rather than acting for personal or financial gain. Nevertheless, they determined his actions warranted immediate suspension from medical practice for twelve months to protect patients and maintain public confidence in the profession.
This case highlights the serious consequences when medical professionals breach fundamental ethical boundaries, particularly regarding patient safety, honesty in diagnosis, and appropriate professional conduct with former patients.
