Parents suing jailed “MMR” doctor

- 22 December 2004;

Following the conviction for forgery and sentencing of Dr Pugh to nine months, parents will proceed with their civil claim against him. 80 parents whose children were given single vaccines by Dr Pugh’s Elstree Clinic found that despite the vaccinations their children were not immune to measles, mumps or rubella.

All the parents had been concerned that MMR was not safe but wanted their children safely vaccinated by single vaccines.

They put their trust in Dr Pugh whose clinic advertised extensively.

Their trust was breached by Dr Pugh’s clinic which stored the vaccines inadequately, diluted them, used them beyond their sell-by date and gave false information to parents. When the clinic was closed after staff “blew the whistle” hundreds of parents were concerned and many found that their children were not immune as Dr Pugh’s clinic had promised.

Even when confronted, Dr Pugh insisted that blood tests showing non-immunity were wrong and that he had done nothing to harm the children.

In fact two of the children whose parents now sue developed measles and many of the children had adverse effects, some of them requiring hospitalisation, which suggested that the conditions in which the vaccines were kept were substandard.

A group of 80 parents have issued proceedings in negligence against Dr Pugh and “judgment has been entered”, but there is no hope of Dr Pugh paying compensation as he is now bankrupt and will now be in jail.

Dr Pugh was able to practice as a doctor and hoodwink parents because he was a member of the Medical Defence Union a professional organisation which provides cover in the event of a negligence claim. However the Medical Defence Union is refusing to accept liability for the claims.

The parents are furious that the very organisation which enabled Dr Pugh to practice should not accept responsibility for the compensation claims. The claims are not large (a couple of thousand pounds per child) but it is an important principle that parents who entrust their children to registered doctors in the community should have the same protection and right to compensation as those who are treated in hospital, where claims cover is provided.

The parents are determined to take the case against Dr Pugh and join the Medical Defence Union to a full Court hearing next year if necessary.

For further information contact Sarah Harman, solicitor for the parents

Telephone number 01227 452977