UK Doctor Leaves Patient Under Anaesthetic to Have Sex with Nurse, Tribunal Hears

A medical tribunal in the UK has heard how Dr. Suhail Anjum, a consultant anaesthetist, left a patient under anaesthesia during surgery at Tameside Hospital, Greater Manchester, to engage in sexual activity with a nurse in another operating theatre. The incident allegedly occurred on 16 September 2023 during a gallbladder removal operation.

Dr. Anjum reportedly asked a nursing colleague to monitor the patient while he took what he claimed was a “comfort break.” Instead, he left the theatre and was later discovered in a “compromising position” with a nurse, referred to in reports as Nurse C. Another nurse, Nurse NT, found them in the other theatre, startled by what she saw.

Though Dr. Anjum admitted his misconduct, the tribunal heard that the patient was not physically harmed and the surgery was successfully completed after his return roughly eight minutes later. However, his conduct was deemed a serious breach of professional standards. He expressed deep remorse, calling his actions “a one-off error of judgment” during a period of personal stress involving family issues.

In February 2024, Dr. Anjum left Tameside Hospital and moved back to Pakistan. The tribunal has considered whether this incident amounts to serious professional misconduct and is evaluating if he should face sanctions, including potential warnings on his medical registration. The hearing also assessed the likelihood of repetition and the risk to patient safety.

What do you think about this case, especially regarding medical ethics and public trust? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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