A doctor accused of starting an improper relationship with a vulnerable patient has admitted exchanging text messages with his alleged victim.
GP Gordon Carter is alleged to have abused his professional position by seeking out a physical relationship with someone he was supposed to be treating.
The medic is said to have “pursued and engaged” the patient in a relationship while working in the Aberdeenshire village of Huntly.
A hearing to determine if his fitness to practice has been impaired by misconduct started today in Manchester.
At the outset of the hearing, Dr Carter admitted he exchanged his phone number and a number of text messages with the patient in December 2013.
The panel heard that ‘Patient A’ had consulted with the doctor on at least 15 occasions between July 2013 and February 2014.
Over the course of this week the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) fitness to practice panel will examine the remaining allegations relating to the doctor’s time at Bydand Medical Group.
It is claimed that between January 2014 and October 2014 Dr Carter was in an “emotional and sexual” relationship with the patient.
If at the end of the hearing the panel members rule that Dr Carter is guilty of misconduct they can impose a penalty.
This can range from having to work under supervision, to a period of suspension, to being struck off the medical register for at least five years.
The well-respected medic is also club doctor and a director for Highland League side Huntly FC.
As the hearing got under way yesterday a social media campaign backing the doctor was still gathering steam.
The Supporters For Dr Gordon Carter page has over 1,100 members who offered words of support for the medic ahead of the MPTS hearing.
The case is scheduled to last for several days.