Son of struck-off GP kills himself

A young GP killed himself after his father was struck off the medical register for having an affair with a patient, it was revealed yesterday.

Dr Tim Pilsworth took his own life in the surgery where his father made love to a patient during their four-month affair.

The GMC heard that Dr Pilsworth Jnr's body was discovered by his father. He contacted a colleague and the pair went to the surgery to find the hanging body of Tim.

The tragedy was revealed yesterday as Dr Keith Pilsworth was reinstated on the medical register after being struck off in March 1995 for serious professional misconduct.

Dr Pilsworth told the disciplinary hearing: "I feel so guilty for the death of my son. I believe very strongly the reason he did it was the total embarrassment he suffered from the publicity.

"I deeply regret my action with Mrs A [a patient]. I was under extreme pressure. I was totally irresponsible and it embarrassed my wife, children, family, friends and relatives and the medical profession.

"It is something I never want anyone to go through. I feel so guilty that what happened contributed to the death of my son."

Speaking of the relationship Dr Pilsworth, who worked in the village of Kirton Lindsey, Lincolnshire for 27 years, said: "I find in the circumstances what actually happened was disgraceful. It is the sort of behaviour that cannot be condoned."