The hearing of a psychiatrist accused of using ‘gay cures’ to treat people in Northern Ireland was suspended on Friday (19 April).

Doctor Paul Miller’s case, which was to see whether he is fit to practise, was already going to be heard in private.

‘The MPTS panel hearing the case of Dr Paul Miller has agreed to an application to adjourn the case,’ the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service said.

‘It will be re-listed and heard by a new panel at a future date.’

No minutes from the session are to be made public and it is not clear who filed the application, or on what grounds the application for the case’s suspension was actually made.

The MPTS has issued no further statements on the matter.

Recent allegations against Miller include taking financial advantage of a patient between the years 2004-2010, failing to maintain professional boundaries with the same patient, and providing them with a sub-standard level of care.

In 2011, after receiving ‘inappropriate’ treatment from the doctor, journalist Patrick Strudwick called for the General Medical Council to take urgent action against Miller.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: ‘I’m actually the first person in British history to try and get a doctor struck off for treating homosexuality.

‘If Dr Miller is struck off, which I hope he is, this is a test case and will serve as a warning to other psychiatrists and mental health professionals attempting to do this.’

Almost two years on from Strudwick’s initial complaint to the GMC, Miller continues to practise in his clinic in Belfast.

A date for the new hearing has yet to be confirmed.

