Dr Jane Barton is alleged to be have been responsible for patients’ deaths (Picture: PA Archive/PA Images)

A retired GP is alleged to have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people after prescribing opiate painkillers to patients.

Dr Jane Barton has been accused of prescribing fatal doses of diamorophine to elderly patients while working at Gosport War Memorial Hospital between 1988 and 2000.

A new report published on Wednesday is expected to find her responsible for their deaths, the Times reports.

It is alleged the GP shortened the lives of her patients after prescribing them the painkiller which is as strong as heroin.


A £13 million inquiry led by James Jones, the former bishop of Liverpool, has investigated more than 800 death certificates signed by Barton.

The investigation centres on allegations Barton prescribed opiate painkillers to patients (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)

The government panel is also looking at the actions of healthcare workers under her watch, and will examine the authorities’ response to complaints and question why so many people died.



It will focus on allegations that patients were given painkillers that led to their deaths.

The findings are set to be published on Wednesday.

Norman Lamb, the former health minister, told the newspaper: ‘Barton’s conduct begs questions about why previous police investigations got nowhere and about the closing of ranks in the area.’

It is thought the inquiry will not press for a criminal investigation because ‘it is not in our remit’.

It is said to have happened while Barton worked at Gosport War Memorial Hospital (Picture: PA Archive/PA Images)

Dori Graham, 86, said her husband Leonard was killed, adding: ‘Len said he wasn’t in pain but they gave him the injection anyway. I sat there. Within a few minutes he was dead.’

Previous investigations into the matter failed to result in any prosecutions, and left ‘unanswered questions’.

There is no suggestion Barton is guilty of murder.

Got a story for Metro.co.uk? If you have a story for our news team, email us at webnews@metro.co.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.