Review call after GP's morphine deaths

A CORONER called for a review of GPs' medical practices after finding that high doses of morphine administered by an elderly doctor contributed to patients' deaths.

County Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said he would be writing to the medical authorities to highlight issues raised during the inquests into three patients who were treated by Dr Howard Martin.

Dr Martin, 75, was cleared of murdering Frank Moss, 59, Harry Gittins, 74, and Stanley Weldon, 74, after a trial at Teesside Crown Court in December 2005.

Mr Tweddle said: "Dr Martin has been described to me as an old-fashioned, traditional general practitioner, one who placed great store on his close personal relationship with his patients.

"However, such values should have not extended to a course of treatment which was described as 'risky' or 'antiquated'."