A UK anaesthetist is accused of leaving a patient unconscious mid-surgery to engage in sexual activity with a nurse. A tribunal will decide his future.
Doctor Accused of Abandoning Patient During Surgery
A British doctor is under investigation after allegedly leaving a patient unconscious mid-surgery to have a sexual encounter with a nurse.
Dr. Suhail Anjum, a consultant anaesthetist in Greater Manchester, is facing a tribunal after being found in what colleagues described as a “compromising position” with an unnamed nurse during an operation at Ashton-under-Lyne’s Tameside Hospital.
The Allegations
According to the General Medical Council (GMC):
Dr. Anjum was supervising a male patient under anaesthetic on September 16, 2023.
He excused himself for what he claimed was a comfort break but instead went to a different operating theatre, where he engaged in sexual activity with Nurse C.
A colleague, Nurse NT, reportedly walked in and saw the pair, later reporting the incident.
Dr. Anjum admitted to the encounter, acknowledging that his actions could have placed his patient at risk.
Patient Unharmed but Trust Broken
Although the patient did not suffer harm and the surgery continued without complication, the GMC stated that Dr. Anjum’s behavior represented a serious breach of trust.
In his testimony, the married father described the incident as a “shameful, one-off mistake” and said he felt deep guilt for failing his patient, colleagues, and the hospital.
“It breaks me every day when I think about it. I let everyone down, and I can only offer my sincere apologies.”
Personal Circumstances
Dr. Anjum explained that the incident occurred during a particularly stressful period in his life. His daughter had been born prematurely in January 2023, and he described the impact on his marriage and mental health as significant.
He has since moved to Pakistan but expressed hopes of returning to the UK medical system, vowing not to repeat what he called a lapse in judgment.
“I don’t know how or why it happened, but I wish I could reverse it. My job is my passion, and I want the opportunity to put this right.”
Tribunal Ongoing
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) has not yet delivered its verdict on whether Dr. Anjum’s conduct amounts to professional misconduct or affects his fitness to practice in the UK.
