Sleep expert is suspended

A SLEEP disorder specialist who admitted sex with an insomnia sufferer at his surgery has been suspended for 12 months.

Ewan Crawford, 53, embarked on a five-year relationship with the "vulnerable" woman despite knowing she suffered physical and psychological problems.

The panel, sitting in Manchester, ruled that Dr Crawford's fitness to practise was impaired because of his misconduct at Murrayfield Medical Centre in the Capital.

The GP first had sex with the woman, referred to as Patient A, in 2001 while she was registered at the practice as his patient.

The doctor neglected to inform colleagues about the affair. His behaviour was "inappropriate and irresponsible" and breached his patients' trust, the panel ruled.

Nearly 100 written testimonials in support of the doctor were submitted from doctors, other professional colleagues and patients.