A PATIENT has complained about a cut in clinic hours after a Huddersfield GP was suspended.

Dr Dev Dutt was locked out of his one-man surgery at Fartown in February last year after being suspended by Huddersfield Central Primary Care Trust.

He was later barred from working anywhere in Britain by the General Medical Council.

Dr Dutt was replaced by a locum, but Adam Harper, of Linthwaite, said: "I have heard several of Dr Dutt's patients complaining about the drastically reduced hours.

"Many times he even opened his surgery at weekends. I'm sure he's not happy to see his patients being treated in this manner.

"Regretfully, the PCT do not seem to have the patients' needs as the number one priority."

But a PCT spokeswoman defended the new arrangements. She said: "We have opted to operate the practice with highly qualified nurse practitioners, supported by consistent locum GPs working reduced hours.

"This has proved to be very successful and is very popular with patients.

"Any patient who requires consultation with a GP is provided with that service."

The PCT, whose investigation into the Dr Dutt case is continuing, took action after he pursued a series of county court cases against friends of his former wife, Cath, all of which he lost.

Fixby couple Julie and David Ruddiman complained to the GMC about Dr Dutt when they were left £23,000 out of pocket after defending themselves against allegations that they had harassed and intimidated him.

The GMC confirmed last year that Dr Dutt's practice had been under supervision by a psychiatrist since August, 2003.