DR CAREY GIRLING SHAMES FORT WILLIAM WITH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL AND ILLEGAL IMAGES

Dr Carey Girling, a healthcare professional formerly employed at Belford Hospital in Fort William, has been at the center of a disturbing misconduct case involving child abuse and the production of illicit images of minors. The allegations against him are severe and have led to multiple legal and professional repercussions.

Girling was explicitly prohibited from being alone with children under the age of 18 due to prior concerns about his conduct. Despite these restrictions, investigations revealed that he repeatedly conducted examinations on children without a chaperone present, violating the conditions set by authorities. The police investigation uncovered that Girling had created inappropriate photographs of minors, including children with autism, which is considered a grave violation of trust and professional standards.

Following his arrest in November 2020, Girling was subjected to strict conditions designed to monitor his conduct. These included maintaining a detailed journal of all consultations with children and ensuring that a chaperone’s signature was obtained during each examination. When questioned about his compliance with these measures, Girling falsely claimed that other healthcare professionals and parents had been present during the examinations, a statement contradicted by reports from staff members. A senior nurse confirmed that staff had not been informed about the requirement for a chaperone, raising further concerns about his adherence to protocols.

The seriousness of his misconduct was further underscored when Girling was convicted at Cambridge Crown Court on June 23 of the previous year for producing indecent images of children. Initially, he entered a plea of not guilty, but in June 2023, he admitted guilt to the charges. The images he produced were classified with 28 of them falling into the most severe category, indicating the gravity of his actions.

As part of his sentencing and rehabilitation process, Girling has been ordered to undergo psychological treatment, complete 200 hours of community service, and register with the police. Additionally, he is subject to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect until August 2028. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service has determined that his ability to practice medicine is impaired due to his criminal record and actions, and a specific disciplinary sanction is currently pending.

NHS Highland responded swiftly once concerns about Girling’s conduct emerged. They issued explicit instructions to ensure compliance with professional standards, halted his work immediately, and reported the matter to the General Medical Council (GMC). The case has sent shockwaves through the Fort William community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and strict oversight in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and harm.