A 44-year-old married father of three, Dr. Suhail Anjum, will not be penalized for leaving a patient under general anesthesia mid-operation to engage in a sexual encounter with a nurse in another operating theatre at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. The incident, which occurred on September 16, 2023, was witnessed by a colleague who was shocked by the compromising situation.
Dr. Anjum, a senior consultant anaesthetist, deceived a nurse by claiming he needed to use the bathroom and left to meet the nurse in a different operating theatre, which was partially used for storage. The encounter led to his dismissal in February 2024 after nine years at Tameside and Glossop NHS Trust. Despite being absent from the operating room for eight minutes, the patient was unharmed.
During a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing, a nurse recounted seeing the nurse with her trousers down and Dr. Anjum adjusting his clothing. Dr. Anjum expressed regret for his actions and admitted that he had let down everyone involved. He assured that it was a one-time lapse in judgment and expressed a desire to continue his medical career in the UK.
The tribunal determined that Dr. Anjum prioritized his own interests over those of the patient and colleagues, potentially compromising patient care. While acknowledging the seriousness of the misconduct, the tribunal believed Dr. Anjum showed genuine remorse and deemed the risk of recurrence low. No formal sanctions were imposed, but the hearing will reconvene to discuss a possible warning on Dr. Anjum’s registration.
Dr. Anjum admitted engaging in sexual activity with the nurse, knowing she was nearby, and acknowledged the potential risk posed to the patient. The tribunal emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the medical profession and professional standards through its decision.