GP in prescriptions probe will comply with suspension

A Co Wicklow-based general practitioner has confirmed she will comply with a High Court order suspending her from practising medicine until a fitness-to-practise review by the Irish Medical Council concludes. The doctor, Dr Regine Grah, operates her private practice at Silver Oak Family Practice in Ballywaltrim Heights, Bray. She was placed under suspension after the Medical Council filed an urgent application with the High Court last month, citing concerns over her continued medical activity and prescription practices. The High Court’s decision came after a ruling on 17 July by Mr Justice David Barniville, who lifted an in-camera rule preventing the identification of Dr Grah. This move was made to ensure public and patient safety, based on evidence suggesting she had been issuing prescriptions without professional indemnity insurance. The evidence, though not yet fully disclosed, indicated that Dr Grah had been prescribing large quantities of controlled substances, including benzodiazepines and sedatives commonly referred to as Z drugs. Pharmacies in Wicklow and south Dublin have expressed concerns about her prescribing habits, which date back to March of this year. Specific examples include prescriptions of up to 56 tablets each of Xanax and Diazepam, often in repeated dosages, between December 2025 and early this year. These instances have raised alarms among healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies regarding potential risks to patient safety. Dr Grah represents herself in the proceedings. During a recent court appearance, she stated she became aware of the suspension order on 7 August, when she was contacted by the Irish Mirror for comment. At that point, she claimed she had shut down her clinic. However, she admitted receiving several emails prior to this date, in which she maintained that her actions were lawful and that all her prescriptions were within legal boundaries. Despite her assertion, Eoghan O’Sullivan, a solicitor representing the Medical Council, noted that there were ongoing concerns about prescriptions issued by Dr Grah even after the suspension order was issued. The Medical Council had previously issued a public warning on 7 August urging the public not to visit her clinic or accept prescriptions from her. Additionally, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland has advised its members against dispensing any of her prescriptions. During the hearing, Dr Grah acknowledged the need to comply with the court's directive and affirmed her intention to adhere to the order. She described her efforts to close the clinic, although some patients continued to attempt contact. She explained that while she had stopped taking calls, they persisted in reaching out. The judge informed Dr Grah that she could appeal the decision if she believed there were valid grounds for doing so. She expressed interest in pursuing such an option and mentioned she would seek legal counsel. The case was adjourned pending further developments, allowing both parties to present additional information or applications if needed. Dr Grah, originally from Côte d'Ivoire, graduated from a Romanian university and began her registration with the Medical Council in February 2018. Her career in the field started shortly thereafter, marking nearly eight years of professional service before the current suspension.