Did a Doctor Really Have Sex with a Nurse During Surgery?

In a shocking incident at Tameside Hospital, a married doctor engaged in sexual activity with a nurse in an operating theatre while a patient was under anaesthesia. This breach of professional conduct has led to a medical tribunal hearing that raises critical questions about patient safety and professional accountability in the healthcare sector.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• A married doctor had sexual relations with a nurse in an operating theatre during surgery.
• The incident was witnessed by a shocked colleague, leading to a report to management.
• The doctor admitted to his actions, acknowledging the potential risk to the patient.
• The hearing will determine if the doctor’s fitness to practise is impaired due to misconduct.
• The doctor cited personal stressors as contributing factors to his behaviour.

The Incident at Tameside Hospital

The case revolves around Dr Suhail Anjum, a 44-year-old consultant anaesthetist, who was involved in a serious breach of ethics when he left a surgical procedure to engage in sexual activity with a nurse, identified only as Nurse C. This incident occurred on 16 September 2013, during a time when he was supposed to be monitoring a male patient in theatre five.

Details of the Surgical Breach

During the third case in theatre five, Dr Anjum requested a colleague to monitor the patient while he took a 'comfort break'. However, instead of returning to his duties, he entered another operating theatre (theatre eight) where he was caught by Nurse NT in a compromising position with Nurse C. According to the testimony of Mr Andrew Molloy, representing the General Medical Council (GMC), Nurse NT saw Nurse C with her trousers down and Dr Anjum adjusting his clothing.

Immediate Responses and Reporting

Upon witnessing the incident, Nurse NT reacted swiftly, exiting the theatre and reporting the matter to her line manager. Fortunately, it was confirmed that no harm came to the patient during Dr Anjum's absence, and the surgical procedure continued without incident. Despite this, the potential risk posed by the doctor’s absence cannot be understated.

Admission of Misconduct

Dr Anjum did not dispute the facts presented at the tribunal. He openly admitted to engaging in sexual activity with Nurse C, acknowledging that he was aware she would likely be nearby when he left his patient. His admission highlights the concerning nature of his actions and raises questions about the professional standards expected in medical practice.

Reflections on the Incident

During the tribunal hearing, Dr Anjum expressed remorse for his actions. He stated, “It was quite shameful, to say the least. I only have myself to blame.” He acknowledged the impact of his actions not only on his patient but also on the trust placed in him by colleagues and the wider medical community.

The Personal Struggles Behind the Actions

Dr Anjum elaborated on the personal difficulties he faced during this period, particularly after the birth of his youngest child in January 2023. He described the stressful circumstances surrounding his family life, detailing the challenges of having a premature child and the emotional toll it took on his relationship with his wife. He indicated that these factors contributed to his lapse in judgment, stating, “It took a toll on my personal life, my mental health and wellbeing, and my work at the hospital.”

Legal and Professional Implications

The tribunal is tasked with determining whether Dr Anjum’s fitness to practise is impaired due to his misconduct. This case raises critical issues about the responsibilities of medical professionals and the potential consequences of their actions on patient safety and trust in healthcare systems.

Potential Consequences of Misconduct

If the tribunal finds that Dr Anjum’s fitness to practise is impaired, he may face sanctions ranging from suspension to permanent removal from the medical register. Such outcomes would not only affect his career but could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

What Happens Next?

The hearing is set to continue, with more evidence and submissions expected. The outcome will provide critical insights into how the medical profession addresses misconduct and the policies that govern ethical behaviour in healthcare settings.

Public and Professional Reactions

The incident has sparked outrage among the public and within the medical community, highlighting the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in medical practice. Many are calling for stricter regulations and policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of professionalism in healthcare. The implications of Dr Anjum’s actions extend beyond his personal failings, reflecting on the standards upheld by medical practitioners. As the tribunal continues, it brings to light the need for ongoing dialogue about ethics, accountability, and patient safety within the healthcare system.

How can the medical community better address the underlying issues that lead to such breaches of conduct? This incident raises complex questions about personal responsibility, mental health, and the pressures faced by healthcare professionals. #HealthcareEthics #MedicalTribunal #PatientSafety

FAQs

What did Dr Suhail Anjum do during the surgery?

Dr Suhail Anjum left an operating theatre mid-surgery to engage in sexual activity with a nurse, which was witnessed by a colleague.

Was the patient harmed during the incident?

No harm came to the patient during Dr Anjum's absence from the operating theatre, and the surgical procedure continued as planned.

What are the potential consequences for Dr Anjum?

If found guilty of misconduct, Dr Anjum could face sanctions from suspension to permanent removal from the medical register.

Why did Dr Anjum leave the theatre?

Dr Anjum claimed he left the theatre for a 'comfort break', but this was a pretext for engaging in sexual activity with Nurse C.

What factors contributed to Dr Anjum's actions?

Dr Anjum cited personal stressors, including the birth of a premature child and difficulties in his family life, as contributing to his lapse in judgment.