EXCLUSIVE: NHS consultant could be struck off amid allegations he 'ducked out of operation for sex act with nurse'

A SENIOR NHS consultant could be struck off following allegations he engaged in a sex act with a nurse while he should have been overseeing the operation of a patient.

It is alleged that Dr Suhail Anjum, 44, put the patient at risk by asking another nurse to monitor them while he slipped into a different theatre to engage in sexual relations with the other nurse.

The medic is due to face the allegations at a five day Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing that begins in Manchester on Thursday<Sep11>.

A public notice published ahead of the hearing states: "The tribunal will inquire into the allegation that, in September 2023, Mr Anjum was the consultant anaesthetist providing cover for Patient A who was undergoing an operation. It is alleged that Mr Anjum asked Nurse B, an anaesthetic nurse, to monitor Patient A for him so he could take a comfort break.

"It is further alleged that, while absent from the operating theatre, Mr Anjum engaged in sexual activity with Nurse C in another theatre and that his conduct had the potential to put Patient A at risk."

If found guilty of the misconduct he could be struck off or face other sanctions such as an official warning.

Dr Anjum qualified in 2003 at the University of Health Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan, according to the General Medical Council register.

He came to the UK in July 2011, working at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Milton Keynes Hospital and then Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford.

Since 2015 he has been a Consultant Anaesthetist at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Trust.

He said of the role on Linkedin: "My job includes elective and emergency cover for surgical patients. I am lead anaesthetist for colorectal cancer surgery. I also have educational, clinical, managerial and training roles."

He added: "I have nearly 20 years of anaesthesia experience, I've held positions from trainee to consultant, working in diverse healthcare systems. I prioritize ongoing learning, using reflective practice, self-directed education, and attending seminars and courses. I excel in managing anaesthesia for colorectal cancer surgery, children, handling routine and emergency procedures and resuscitating neonates."

An NHS trust spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Dr Anjum was employed at

the Trust at the time of the alleged incident. Until the tribunal has reached its conclusion, we are unable to comment further."

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was asked if Nurse C was also facing misconduct proceedings, but a spokesperson said without their name it could not track down any case.