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UK News

Christian GP tribunal after 'exorcism'

by Aaron James

The tribunal heard Dr Thomas O'Brien, 56, persuaded the woman to take part in deliverance ministry at his Pentecostal church after he said to her "God is your surgeon".

The unnamed patient had stomach surgery which put her in serious pain, and also suffers from severe depression and high blood pressure. She was taking medication for all three of these, and seeing a psychiatrist. In addition, the woman was suicidal.

The doctor is alleged to have told the patient to stop taking her medication and to stop seeing her psychiatrist. When the woman finally saw her psychiatrist, he reported Dr O'Brien.

In the four months leading up to the 'exorcism', Dr O'Brien said the devil "was having a real go at her" and that she had "devil items" in her house.

He also reportedly quoted the Bible to the patient, took her to church meetings, prayed with the patient at her home, and tuned her television to Gospel TV.

Peter Atherton, the counsel for the General Medical Council, said in the tribunal: "She first consulted Dr O'Brien by telephone when she was in great pain, depressed and suicidal.

"In the course of that telephone consultation, Dr O'Brien asked her if she had a faith and she said she didn't he told her his wife knew of a different way that could heal her that did not involve medication.

"Dr O'Brien and his wife befriended and attempted to evangelise Patient A.

"He and his wife took her to a meeting and at that meeting she was advised against seeing a psychiatrist, that god was her surgeon and she should stop her medication.

"They also offered her an exorcism and performed it. She was made to feel as if all things going wrong were due to the devil.

"From documents provided by Dr O'Brien it appears he and his wife's relationship with Patient A was based solely on Christian principles whereas Patient A believes the gifts and acts of kindness amounted to a form of religious grooming designed to cause division within her family - particularly herself and her partner, and caused her great distress."

Mr O'Brien faces misconduct charges which include using his position as a medical professional to influence a patient's religious beliefs.

The Tribunal is also claiming Dr O'Brien's actions caused "distress" to the woman and was "detrimental" to her health.

The case continues.

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