GMC Faces Scrutiny Over Mishandling of GP's Sexual Misconduct Cases

Victims and critics accuse the GMC of failing to act on early warnings about Dr. Thomas Plimmer, allowing years of further misconduct.

Dr. Thomas Plimmer, a GP and self-declared sex addict, was struck off in 2024 for sexual misconduct, including inappropriate acts at his surgery and threats to a partner.
Despite being sacked for gross misconduct in 2014 and referred to the GMC, Plimmer was allowed to continue practicing after a private 2016 hearing that excluded sexual misconduct allegations.
Victims allege the GMC prioritized Plimmer’s privacy over public safety, leaving patients and colleagues unaware of his history of misconduct.
Critics, including MPs and victims' advocates, have called the GMC's handling of the case 'shocking' and demanded greater transparency and accountability.
Plimmer is appealing his removal from the medical register and has since begun working as a therapist under a different name, highlighting regulatory gaps in psychotherapy.