Update: Alderney GP death inquiry

Friday 17 April 2015

Two weeks after the raids on an Alderney GP surgery over four suspicious deaths, police say that it will take time to get independent medical advice to go through records and case files.

The raids followed the suspension of Dr Rory Lyons of Eagle Medical Practice – one of four GPs surgeries serving the 2,000 people living in Alderney – but Guernsey’s Chief of Police Pat Rice has refused to comment on what offences may have been committed.

He did however condemn a leak to the BBC about the raid by ten police officers just before it took place on 2 April as “one of the most irresponsible I have ever come across” and said that it had “put a significant police investigation at risk”.

Mr Rice praised the BBC for their responsible handling of the leak, and said that he had commissioned an inquiry into who gave them the information.

He said: “What I can say is that medical records relating to patients who have died have been seized and we will be engaging independent expert medical advice to help us examine these documents. This will take time as it is not the sort of work that can be completed in haste.

“I am aware of the strength of feeling around this investigation, particularly in Alderney, and would once again wish to reassure people that it will be conducted with diligence and respect to all concerned.

“However, I must add that it is a serious investigation and, while this complex work progresses, I would ask all members of the community to demonstrate restraint, and support those involved with compassion.”