I am writing further to your correspondence
about Dr Alistair Benbow. I am sorry for the delay in our response.
From the information that you have provided so far, we cannot identify
any issues that would enable us to conduct an investigation into Dr Benbow's practice. In
the absence of any clear criminal or other regulatory proceedings relating to the research
into, and/or production or marketing of, Seroxat, to which Dr Benbow can be directly
linked, there is no information available to us which could amount to an allegation of
misconduct capable of calling into question Dr Benbow's fitness to practise.
We are also of the view that it would be disproportionate and/or
premature for us to commence an investigation at this stage for the purposes of searching
for information or evidence sufficient to make an allegation regarding Dr Benbow's fitness
to practise.
We do not have information sufficient to make (or support) an
allegation that Dr Benbow's fitness to practise may be impaired. Although our file in this
matter is now closed, this will not preclude us from reconsidering this matter in future,
should new information or evidence come to light, which indicates that Dr Benbow's fitness
to practise might be called into question.
Please find enclosed your DVD, as requested. We have not taken a copy.
Yours sincerely
Tim Cox-Brown
Investigation Officer
Fitness to Practise Directorate
Direct Dial: 0161 923 6427
Fax No: 0161 923 6578
Email: tcoxbrown@gmc-uk.org
Enc: Investigating concerns factsheet