How Did a Doctor Caught Having Sex During Surgery Keep Their License?

This article explores the case of Dr Suhail Anjum, a consultant anaesthetist who left a patient mid-surgery to engage in a sexual encounter with a nurse. Despite his actions being deemed serious misconduct, a tribunal has ruled that he can continue practising medicine in the UK, citing a low risk of reoffending. This incident raises important questions about professional conduct and patient safety in healthcare settings.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Dr Suhail Anjum left an ongoing surgery for eight minutes for a personal encounter.
• The incident was discovered by a colleague at Tameside Hospital in September 2023.
• The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) deemed the risk of repeat misconduct as very low.
• Dr Anjum expressed remorse for his actions, admitting they were shameful.
• No patient harm occurred during the incident, leading to a lighter sanction.

The Incident Unfolded

In September 2023, Dr Suhail Anjum was involved in a serious breach of professional conduct at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. While performing an operation, he left the surgical theatre under the pretense of needing a bathroom break. Instead of attending to his patient, who was under general anaesthetic, he engaged in sexual activity with a nurse in a different operating theatre. This shocking revelation came to light when a colleague unexpectedly entered the room and caught the pair in a compromising position.

The Aftermath of the Incident

The colleague who discovered Dr Anjum and the nurse reported the incident, leading to an internal investigation. Following this, Dr Anjum was dismissed from his position in February 2024. The investigation concluded that although the patient did not suffer any harm, the anaesthetist's actions raised significant ethical concerns and were classified as serious misconduct.

The Tribunal's Ruling

During the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing, Dr Anjum admitted that his behaviour was “shameful” and acknowledged the gravity of his actions. Remarkably, the tribunal concluded that he posed a “very low” risk of repeating his misconduct. Dr Anjum expressed a desire to resume his medical career in the UK, despite his family's relocation to Pakistan. He asserted that he would not repeat this “one-off error in judgment.”

Understanding Professional Misconduct

According to the tribunal chairwoman, Rebecca Miller, Dr Anjum’s actions were serious enough to warrant a finding of misconduct. However, she noted that the scrutiny he faced would likely serve as a deterrent against future infractions. While the tribunal acknowledged the severity of his actions, it ultimately decided that a public finding of misconduct was sufficient to maintain public confidence in the profession without imposing additional sanctions.

Reactions to the Tribunal's Decision

The decision not to sanction Dr Anjum has sparked a debate about accountability in the healthcare profession. Many believe that engaging in sexual conduct during a medical procedure undermines the trust patients place in healthcare professionals. Critics argue that allowing Dr Anjum to continue practising may set a concerning precedent for similar cases in the future.

Public and Professional Response

The response from the healthcare community and the public has been mixed. Some argue that the tribunal’s ruling reflects a failure to adequately address the seriousness of the misconduct, while others believe it demonstrates a balanced approach, considering that no direct harm came to the patient. The case highlights the complex nature of professional ethics in healthcare and the challenges of maintaining high standards of conduct.

What Happens Next?

With the tribunal deciding against further sanctions, Dr Anjum’s future in medicine remains uncertain. The tribunal is set to reconvene to discuss whether to issue a warning regarding his registration. This decision will be crucial, as it could influence how he is perceived in the medical community and among patients.

Implications for Patient Safety and Trust

This incident raises critical questions about the importance of patient safety and trust in healthcare settings. Patients expect their medical professionals to prioritise their wellbeing above all else. When a doctor prioritises personal interests during a procedure, it can erode that trust and raise alarms about patient safety in similar circumstances.

Promoting Accountability in Healthcare

To prevent future incidents, healthcare institutions must enforce strict protocols and ensure that staff understand the implications of their actions. Comprehensive training on professional ethics and conduct is essential for all medical personnel, reinforcing the need for a patient-centred approach in every situation.

Conclusion

The case of Dr Suhail Anjum serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unprofessional behaviour in healthcare settings. While the tribunal's decision reflects a belief in the possibility of rehabilitation, it also underscores the necessity of maintaining rigorous standards to safeguard patient trust and safety. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it is imperative to address these issues head-on, ensuring that patient care always remains the top priority.

FAQs

What did Dr Suhail Anjum do during surgery?

Dr Suhail Anjum left a patient mid-surgery under the guise of a bathroom break and engaged in sexual conduct with a nurse in another operating theatre.

What was the outcome of the tribunal hearing?

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service ruled that Dr Anjum posed a very low risk of repeating his misconduct and did not sanction him, allowing him to continue practising medicine.

Was the patient harmed during the incident?

No, the patient remained unharmed during the incident as medical supervision was provided while Dr Anjum was absent.

What does this incident say about healthcare professionalism?

This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining professional conduct in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and uphold public trust in medical professionals.

What are the implications for Dr Anjum's career?

While the tribunal did not impose sanctions, the public finding of serious misconduct may impact Dr Anjum's reputation and future opportunities within the medical field.