General Chiropractic Council strike off a Chiropractor for sexually motivated misconduct

Chiropractor Peter McCann was erased from the register of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) last month after being found guilty of sexually motivated behaviour towards five female patients. The proven allegations included an allegation that he pulled a patient’s knickers down without consent and that he became sexually aroused while treating one of his patients. The Committee concluded that Mr McCann had a deep-seated, harmful attitudinal problem and that he deliberately exploited the trust which patients placed in him.

As at 30 September 2015, 3,141 Chiropractors were on the GCC register, making the GCC a very small regulator (compared to, for example the 274,000 doctors registered with the GMC and the 107,000 dentists registered with the GDC). As you would expect, the GCC consequently have far fewer hearings (their website indicates that they have 2 hearings coming up in the next month, compared to 12 hearings at the GDC). However, this recent case shows that the GCC’s powers should not be underestimated. 

Have you been referred to the GCC?

If you are a Chiropractor who has been referred to the GCC, you should seek legal advice and assistance immediately. Our specialist defence team can assist you with the entire process, from formulating an initial response to allegations to instructing one of the many barristers with whom we have links to represent you at a final hearing.

Providing the panel with evidence of remediation is often key – the panel will want to be reassured that, even if you have made mistakes in the past, there is no likelihood of repetition. We can assist you with compiling evidence of remediation to give you the best prospects of a good outcome. 

Further information

For further information, please contact Lucy Williams. You may also wish to visit our Defending Regulated Professionals page.