By James Murray-Hodcroft | The Hodlines
Published: 25 June 2025, 10:07am
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has this morning ruled that Dr David Cartland’s fitness to practise is currently impaired, following a misconduct hearing in which 17 allegations, including harassment, incitement, and professional breaches, were found proved.
In a statement delivered at 09:30am, tribunal chair Claire Lindley (LQC) said:
The panel finds Dr Cartland’s fitness to practise is currently impaired.”
The tribunal has now adjourned until 11:30am to allow time for any further evidence that may be considered relevant to the final decision on sanctions. Sanctions may include conditions, suspension, or full erasure from the medical register.
The case centres on Cartland’s online conduct, including public harassment of fellow doctors, encouragement of abuse, and the unauthorised offering of vaccine exemptions. None of the proven allegations relate to his personal beliefs or vaccine scepticism, despite his claims to the contrary throughout the proceedings.
Earlier evidence presented by the GMC demonstrated a pattern of inflammatory posts, including tweets directed at individuals involved in the case and a retracted public claim accusing TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh of paedophilia. In April 2024, Cartland issued an apology and paid legal costs.
Cartland also dismissed private advice from fellow professionals urging him to disengage from social media and work constructively with the GMC.
The panel is expected to return with its final sanction recommendation later this morning. The Hodlines will continue to report live.
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