Concerns were raised about Wolvercote GP Dr Mark Huckstep seven years before he was suspended by NHS Oxfordshire, it emerged last night.

The Oxford Mail revealed in August 2010 how the GP, who worked at Wolvercote Surgery and Kendall Crescent Health Centre, in North Oxford, had been suspended and was being investigated by the General Medical Council (GMC).

Dr Huckstep, pictured, is still fully registered to practice, but remains suspended from the Medical Performers list in Oxfordshire.

However, the county’s health authority, NHS Oxfordshire, has admitted colleagues of Dr Huckstep raised concerns about his work as far back as 2003.

Dr Huckstep said last night: “In early April 2010 we lost our practice nurse/ practice manager and between April and July 2010 we were desperately short-staffed.

“During that period our small and excellent team struggled to cope administratively and there were administrative failings for which I take full responsibility.”

An NHS Oxfordshire spokesman said: “The PCT and predecessor organisations have been working intermittently with Dr Huckstep since 2003. In 2003/4 colleagues raised concerns with regard to his workload, record-keeping and time management.”

The news comes ahead of tonight’s Channel Four Dispatches documentary Can You Trust Your Doctor?

The programme features claims from nurse Loo Blackburn, and locum GP Dr Christine Slowther, who worked with Dr Huckstep.

Dr Slowther said: “The first two days at the practice were absolutely petrifying, shocking.”