REDBRIDGE'S top doctor has apologised to his patients after admitting to viewing pornography at work.

Respected Woodford Green GP Dr Richard Price was given a formal warning by the General Medical Council for the offence - which will stay on his record for five years.

Dr Price has worked at the Rydal Group Practice in Woodford Green High Road for the past 21 years, and is chairman of Redbridge Primary Care Trust's Professional Executive Committee.

The popular GP said sorry to his patients, family and friends in an official statement.

He said: "I sincerely apologise to family, colleagues and patients for any discomfort this may cause.

"It was a serious lapse of judgement which I know will never happen again and which I now hope to put behind me.

"I have practised at the surgery for 21 years and it is my sincere hope that it continues as a model of good healthcare.

"My standing as a clinician has not been called into question and I would like to reassure patients that I remain in their service.

"We are all capable of making errors of judgement that in hindsight are obvious.

"I am no exception and I am grateful for the continued support of my colleagues.

"My focus remains on my work and my greatest wish is to continue to help my patients."

Redbridge PCT chief executive Heather O'Meara said:

"Dr Price is a long-standing clinician who is highly respected by patients, colleagues and the primary care trust.

"No previous concerns have ever been raised with the PCT about Dr Price.

"Indeed we have only ever received positive feedback about his clinical ability and commitment to healthcare."