A doctor who abandoned a patient mid-operation under general anaesthetic to engage in a sexual encounter with a nurse in a nearby operating theatre will not receive any sanctions. Dr. Suhail Anjum, a 44-year-old married father of three, was discovered in a compromising position with an unnamed nurse by a shocked colleague at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, on September 16, 2023.
The senior consultant anaesthetist informed a nurse that he needed to use the bathroom and asked her to monitor the patient. Instead, he left for another operating theatre, which was partially used for storage, where the incident occurred. The hospital management was informed, leading to Dr. Anjum’s dismissal in February 2024 after serving nine years at Tameside and Glossop NHS Trust.
During a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing, a nurse described witnessing the nurse with her trousers down and underwear visible, while Dr. Anjum was adjusting his clothing. The patient was unharmed during the eight minutes Dr. Anjum was absent from the operating room.
Dr. Anjum expressed his desire to return to his medical career in the UK after relocating to Pakistan with his family. He acknowledged his mistake, stating that he had disappointed everyone involved and promised not to repeat such an error in judgment.
The tribunal concluded that Dr. Anjum prioritized his interests over those of the patient and colleagues, potentially compromising his focus on patient care. Although his actions were deemed serious misconduct, the tribunal noted his genuine remorse and assessed the risk of recurrence as very low.
While recognizing the seriousness of Dr. Anjum’s actions, the tribunal believed that the public scrutiny and acknowledgment of misconduct were sufficient to uphold professional standards and public confidence without the need for a finding of impaired fitness to practice.
No disciplinary action will be taken against the doctor, and a decision on whether to issue a warning on Dr. Anjum’s registration will be made during the reconvened hearing in Manchester on Tuesday. Dr. Anjum admitted engaging in sexual activity with the nurse, acknowledging the potential risk posed to the patient by his actions.