Dr Henry Mannings' cancer patients drugs ban lifted

A doctor suspended from prescribing drugs to terminal cancer patients has had the ban lifted.

Dr Henry Mannings was handed the 18-month suspension in November by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

The measure followed an allegation he gave unauthorised chemotherapy to two patients at his Star Throwers charity in Wymondham, Norfolk.

The MPTS, which is investigating his conduct, has lifted the ban.

After the hearing in Manchester, Dr Mannings said: "It means the world to me. I knew I'd done nothing wrong."

The MPTS imposed the restrictions following a complaint against Dr Mannings by an oncologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

'So important'

But an early review of the case was granted after a flood of support for Dr Mannings, who set up Star Throwers three years ago.

Dr Mannings was alleged to have given chemotherapy without authorisation to two patients, Rachel Lane, 27, and Thelma Dowsett, 78.

Both women, from Wymondham, died in October but their families believe Dr Mannings' treatment gave them extra weeks of life.

At the MPTS hearing, Dr Mannings said he had been treating cancer patients for years.

He said he did not use chemotherapy but a drug used for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

He said he had not told Mrs Dowsett's GP about the treatment because she had asked him not to, and his charity was in the process of being registered when the complaint was made and he received the 18-month ban.

Ms Lane's sister Amanda Lansom said she welcomed the panel's ruling.

"What he does for the patients when they're given days to live or there's no other treatment available is so important and I'm really pleased about the decision."

The GMC's investigation of the case is to continue.