Doctor’s Mid-Surgery Absence for Sexual Encounter: Tribunal Finds Low Risk of Repetition
A recent case before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has brought to light a serious breach of professional conduct by Dr. Suhail Anjum, a consultant anaesthetist. The incident, occurring in September 2023 at Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester, involved Dr. Anjum leaving a patient under general anaesthetic to engage in sexual activity with a nurse. While the patient suffered no harm, the tribunal’s findings and subsequent decision raise important questions about professional boundaries and patient safety.
What Happened?
Here’s a breakdown of the events:
* Dr. Anjum asked a colleague to monitor a male patient undergoing surgery. He stated he needed to use the restroom.
* Rather of going to the restroom,he went to another operating theater.
* There, he engaged in sexual activity with Nurse C.
* A colleague discovered the pair in a ”compromising position.”
* Dr. Anjum was absent from the operating room for eight minutes.
* Following an internal inquiry, he was dismissed from tameside Hospital in February 2024.
Witness testimony described Nurse C with her trousers partially down, and Dr. Anjum adjusting his clothing. Dr. Anjum has as relocated to Pakistan with his family and expressed a desire to resume his medical career in the UK.
Tribunal Findings: A Serious, But Isolated, Incident
The MPTS tribunal acknowledged the gravity of Dr. Anjum’s actions. They steadfast he prioritized his own interests over those of his patient and colleagues.
Specifically, the tribunal highlighted:
* Patient Risk: While no harm came to the patient, the incident had the potential to compromise patient care by diverting Dr. Anjum’s attention.
* Professional Misconduct: The actions constituted “significant” misconduct, damaging the trust placed in the medical profession.
* Admission of Guilt: Dr. Anjum admitted to engaging in sexual activity with Nurse C and acknowledged the potential risk to his patient.
Though, the tribunal also considered Dr. Anjum’s remorse and his stated commitment to preventing a recurrence. He described his actions as a “shameful…one-off error of judgment” and expressed regret for letting down his colleagues and the hospital.
Low Risk of Repetition: Why the Tribunal’s Decision?
Despite the seriousness of the misconduct, the tribunal concluded that Dr. Anjum poses a “very low risk” of repeating such behavior. This assessment was based on several factors:
* Demonstrated Remorse: Dr. Anjum expressed genuine regret and took full obligation for his actions.
* Relocation & Reflection: His move to Pakistan and subsequent work as a doctor there suggest a period of reflection and a commitment to professional rehabilitation.
* Commitment to Future Conduct: He explicitly stated his intention to uphold professional standards should he return to practice in the UK.
What Happens Next?
Currently, no sanction has been imposed on Dr. Anjum. the MPTS hearing will reconvene to determine whether to issue a warning on his medical registration. This decision will consider the need to maintain public confidence in the profession while acknowledging the tribunal’s assessment of low risk.
What This Means for You – and Patient Safety
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in healthcare. As a patient, you have the right to expect unwavering focus and dedication from yoru medical team.
Key takeaways:
* Professional Boundaries Matter: Maintaining clear professional boundaries is crucial for ensuring patient safety and trust.
* Accountability is Essential: Healthcare professionals must be held accountable for breaches of conduct.
* Transparency Builds Trust: Open dialog and transparent investigations are vital for maintaining public confidence in the medical system.
While this specific incident appears to be isolated, it underscores the ongoing need for robust oversight and a strong ethical framework within the medical profession. The MPTS’s decision highlights the complexities of balancing accountability with the potential for rehabilitation, ultimately prioritizing patient safety and the integrity of healthcare.
