West Pennine health authority has removed Hyde GP Dr Harold Shipman from its medical list, following his conviction for murder.

Payments to Dr Shipman have also ceased. The HA took action under the NHS (General Medical Services) Amendment Regulations 2000, announced by health secretary Alan Milburn last week. The regulations give HAs the power to remove a GP from their lists immediately if they are convicted in the UK of murder. Lord Herbert Laming of Tewin, chief inspector at the Social Services Inspectorate from 1991 to 1998, will chair the independent inquiry into the murders. The inquiry was set up by Mr Milburn to look at the 'wider policy implications of the case'. It will report by autumn. Chief medical officer Professor Liam Donaldson has been asked to carry out an audit of Dr Shipman's work.