A Hamilton doctor has been suspended for two months after being caught prescribing controlled drugs to a friend and to himself.

Dr Allister Francks, a GP at Wellhall Medical Centre in Hamilton, was hauled before a panel organised by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) this month after being reported to the General Medical Council (GMC) by a pharmacist.

Dr Francks admitted writing 26 prescriptions for a person with whom he had a “close personal relationship” over three years, and writing six prescriptions for himself during the same period.

The allegations were described as “serious misconduct” by the panel. An expert doctor called in by the tribunal said Dr Francks “fell seriously below the standard expected of a reasonably competent GP.”

The panel recorded that Dr Francks admitted he had shown “arrogance” in his approach. They also noted his “otherwise unblemished career” and that Dr Francks “has expressed significant remorse and shame at his actions”.

In a statement to the tribunal, Dr Francks said: “I fully and wholeheartedly admit the allegations made against me. On deeper reflection, I recognise that my actions constituted a gross breach of professional standards. Self-prescribing and prescribing for [the patient] were serious lapses in judgement, and I express genuine remorse for failing to follow the proper procedures and guidance.

“I have felt profoundly embarrassed and ashamed. My professional reputation—once a source of pride—now feels deeply compromised, and I am acutely aware that any erosion of my patients’ trust could directly affect the quality of care I provide.

“I feel diminished in their eyes, and every clinical encounter now carries the weight of my mistake. I am committed to rebuilding confidence through openness, consistency, and a renewed focus on professionalism. This experience has been a course-correcting event and a powerful learning opportunity.”

Dr Francks was suspended for two months, which the tribunal described as “minimum sanction which could be imposed which would be sufficient to mark the seriousness of Dr Francks’ misconduct and meet the public interest.” An immediate sanction was deemed unnecessary, with the suspension to commence 28 days from the notice being issued.

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