Derry/Londonderry GP suspended over Covid-19 vaccine comments

By Q Radio News

A Derry/Londonderry GP has been suspended by the Health and Social Care Board over comments she made about the Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Anne McCloskey expressed concerns about young people being given the vaccine.

In a video posted online on Sunday, she made a number of claims including that there is not enough evidence it is safe for young people to be vaccinated.

The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) has ordered an investigation after receiving complaints about the comments.

On Tuesday, the HSCB confirmed it has suspended Dr McCloskey as a precautionary measures while it investigates.

“Suspension is not an automatic occurrence when undertaking an investigation but may be necessary where there are concerns regarding patient safety and in the public interest,” a spokesperson said.

“Dr McCloskey is not free to work for HSC organisations during her suspension.”

In an earlier interview, Dr McCloskey said she stands by her comments.

When her comments emerged, the Health and Social Care Board said they were investigating her conduct.

A spokesperson said: "The HSCB can confirm that Dr Anne McCloskey works on a sessional basis for Western Urgent Care (WUC), which is the organisation responsible for GP Out-of-Hours Services in the Western area.  This means that she does not frequently work for the service. 

"The Health and Social Care Board takes a very serious view of this. Patients often turn to GPs as a source of medical advice and GPs must inspire confidence and trust in patients."