Londonderry-based GP Dr Mary McCloskey has been suspended for six months following a series of "vitriolic" comments she made about COVID-19 and vaccines. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) deemed her remarks to be alarming and potentially undermining public health advice. Dr McCloskey, who had an unblemished 40-year career, made these statements in videos shared online between August and November 2021.

In her videos, Dr McCloskey asserted that the pandemic was a media and government fabrication, claiming that the dangers of COVID-19 and vaccines were exaggerated. She alleged that vaccinations were harmful instead of protective, and suggested that children were being put at risk by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, she expressed conspiratorial beliefs about PCR tests and face masks, asserting that they were being used as psychological weapons to spread fear among the public.

The MPTS highlighted the potential consequences of Dr McCloskey's statements, stating that they could undermine public health information, erode trust in the medical profession, and discourage people from getting vaccinated against COVID-19. While acknowledging her right to freedom of expression, the tribunal contended that Dr McCloskey had crossed the line by making alarming and inflammatory statements.

The tribunal also criticized Dr McCloskey for her comment about the naming of COVID-19 variants, considering it to detract from the gravity of the situation. They noted that her use of the term "moronic" in reference to Omicron showcased a lack of seriousness regarding the pandemic. The MPTS further mentioned that Dr McCloskey repeatedly introduced herself as a GP in the videos, potentially providing her opinions with false authority.

Despite acknowledging Dr McCloskey's previously unblemished record and the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tribunal underscored the need for accountability and safeguarding public health. Citing her lack of remorse and recognition of her misconduct, the tribunal suspended Dr McCloskey for six months, with a review to be held to determine if she is ready to resume her medical practice.

In response to the ruling, Dr McCloskey has 28 days to appeal the decision.