Reprieve from suspension for P.E.I. doctor

Dr. Grant Matheson, given a 3½-year suspension for professional misconduct for overprescribing narcotics, will be allowed to practise medicine while his appeal of the sentence is heard.

The P.E.I. Appeal Court granted Matheson leave to appeal the suspension on Tuesday.

The P.E.I. College of Physicians and Surgeons found Matheson had prescribed narcotics to a patient and bought them back for his own use.

His medical licence was to have been suspended starting next Tuesday.

In his appeal, Matheson's lawyer noted the doctor had been practising without incident for the past two years, that he is being monitored by the college and that his patients would suffer.

The court agreed that Matheson should be allowed to appeal the suspension, and continue to practise until that appeal is heard.

A court date hasn't been set yet, but Matheson's lawyer says it will likely be late this spring or early fall.

Matheson had been suspended previously in connection with problems stemming from his addiction. The incidents occurred between 2002 and 2005.

He is also currently serving two years probation on a conviction for obtaining prescription narcotics under false pretenses.