A controversial Elstree doctor being investigated over allegations that he falsified blood test results has been banned from immunising children for 18 months by the General Medical Council.

Dr David Pugh, medical director of the company that ran the Elstree Aeromedical Centre, was arrested on March 27 following claims he had falsified medical documents, telling parents that their children were immune to measles, mumps and rubella when they were not.

It is alleged that doctors at the clinic in Elstree Aerodrome, Hogg Lane, Elstree, failed to follow manufacturer's instructions for administering single jabs, leaving around 295 children including 40 from Barnet at greater risk of catching the diseases.

At a hearing on April 16, the General Medical Council (GMC) interim orders committee put conditions on Dr Pugh's practice, pending a full inquiry.

The conditions, which will last for the next 18 months, state that he cannot undertake any patient immunisations and he must keep a record of all patients he sees, their diagnoses and treatment or treatment recommendations.

Dr Pugh, of Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire, will also have to notify current and potential employers, contractors and relevant professional organisations of the conditions, and inform them of any new work he takes on which requires medical registration.

A spokeswoman for the GMC said: "The interim order does not mean the doctor is guilty of anything. It is put in place to protect the public during our investigation."

The conditions run until October 14, 2004, but can be extended if the inquiry takes longer than 18 months. Dr Pugh is due to return to Hatfield police station on June 3.

The clinic has not been open since the National Care Standards Commission closed it down on February 20 for not having a licence to practise.

April 29, 2003 15:30