Libelled by the Daily Mirror

The Daily Mirror claimed that a London GP caused significant harm to a young patient.

The article stated that the GP saw the patient three times with a lump on her head but he failed to diagnose a kerion abscess. It was alleged that this was later diagnosed and treated at hospital. In fact, the GP had seen the patient twice and neither time did she have a lump on her head. He correctly diagnosed a scalp infection and prescribed appropriate medication.

The patient’s mother took her daughter to hospital some time later where she was diagnosed as suffering from a scalp abscess which was drained that day. The abscess developed after the GP had seen the patient and it was inaccurate to suggest that he reached an incorrect diagnosis.

Libel cases can be very expensive, but, where it is justified, as in this case, MPS take appropriate action to safeguard its members’ interests.
The Daily Mirror agreed a settlement for substantial damages plus costs, and printed an apology on an equivalent page in a subsequent issue.