Anaesthesia Consultant Faces Ban After Having Sex With Nurse While Patient Was Asleep

A senior anaesthetist is facing a medical tribunal after admitting he left a patient under general anaesthetic during surgery to engage in sexual activity with a nurse in another operating theatre. The shocking revelation, which surfaced during a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing, has raised profound questions about patient safety, professional boundaries, and public trust in the medical profession.

The case centres on Dr Suhail Anjum, 44, who at the time worked as a consultant anaesthetist at Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester. The incident, which took place in September 2013, only came to light years later and is now being formally examined in 2025.

The Incident

On 16 September 2013, Dr Anjum was responsible for administering and monitoring anaesthesia for a patient undergoing surgery in theatre 5 at Tameside Hospital. According to evidence presented at the tribunal, he asked a nursing colleague to temporarily monitor the patient while he took a short comfort break.

Instead of remaining close to the theatre, Dr Anjum went to theatre 8, where he met with another nurse — referred to as Nurse C. The tribunal heard that the pair engaged in sexual activity during this time.

A third nurse, referred to as Nurse NT, unexpectedly entered theatre 8 and discovered the doctor and Nurse C in what was described as a “compromising position.” Witnesses reported that Dr Anjum’s trousers were partially lowered, and Nurse C was adjusting her clothing.

Dr Anjum was absent for approximately eight minutes before returning to his patient. The tribunal was told that the patient did not come to harm, but the absence posed an unacceptable level of risk given the responsibilities of an anaesthetist during surgery.

The Doctor’s Admission

Dr Anjum has admitted the core facts of the incident and acknowledged the seriousness of his actions. In his testimony, he described the event as a “one-off lapse of judgment” and expressed deep regret.

“I am profoundly sorry for what happened that day,” he said. “It was a moment of weakness that could have endangered a patient, and I will carry that shame with me for the rest of my career.”

He explained that at the time he was under significant personal strain. His wife had recently endured a traumatic delivery of their premature child, which left him exhausted and emotionally distressed. Dr Anjum argued that his mental state contributed to the reckless decision-making that day.

Nevertheless, he conceded that his actions were indefensible. “Stress cannot excuse neglect of professional duty,” he told the tribunal.

Professional Consequences

The incident was reported to hospital management at the time, but formal disciplinary and professional proceedings have only reached the MPTS in recent months. The tribunal is now tasked with determining whether Dr Anjum’s fitness to practise is impaired, and what sanctions should be imposed.

Possible outcomes include:

• A warning recorded on his file.
• Imposition of conditions restricting his ability to practise.
• Suspension from the medical register.
• Erasure from the register, effectively banning him from practising medicine in the UK.

Dr Anjum no longer works at Tameside Hospital, having resigned in February 2024. He has since returned to Pakistan but told the tribunal he hopes to resume his medical career in the UK.

Reactions from the Tribunal

Tribunal members noted that while no physical harm came to the patient, the very act of leaving them unattended under anaesthetic was “a grave dereliction of duty.” Anaesthetists are expected to remain vigilant at all times during surgery, as even a few minutes’ absence can have life-threatening consequences.

One panel member described the misconduct as a violation of patient trust and of the public confidence placed in doctors. The fact that the incident involved a sexual act within hospital premises only compounded the seriousness of the misconduct.

Wider Implications

The case has sparked wider debate about professionalism, stress, and accountability within the NHS.

1. Patient Safety
   Anaesthetists have one of the most critical roles in surgery — ensuring that unconscious patients remain stable and safe. Even minor lapses in monitoring can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as hypoxia, cardiac arrest, or death.
2. Professional Boundaries
   Sexual activity in a clinical setting, particularly during working hours and within operating theatres, represents a serious breach of professional boundaries. It undermines the dignity of both patients and staff, and risks eroding trust in healthcare institutions.
3. Mental Health and Stress in Medicine
   Dr Anjum’s defence pointed to personal stress as a contributing factor. His circumstances — caring for a premature baby and a traumatised spouse — are not uncommon among doctors who juggle demanding personal and professional lives. The case highlights the need for more robust mental health support for healthcare staff to prevent lapses in judgment.
4. Public Trust in Healthcare
   High-profile cases of misconduct inevitably impact how the public perceives the NHS. Even isolated incidents can fuel mistrust, particularly when they involve vulnerable patients under anaesthetic. Transparency, accountability, and strong disciplinary processes are essential to maintain confidence.

Lessons for the Medical Profession

This case underlines several lessons for both individual practitioners and healthcare institutions:

• Vigilance is non-negotiable: Anaesthetists must remain present throughout procedures. Delegating to another nurse does not absolve them of responsibility.
• Boundaries matter: Sexual relationships between colleagues should never occur in professional or clinical settings.
• Support systems: Doctors under stress should feel able to seek help before personal struggles translate into professional lapses.
• Clear policies: Hospitals need strict enforcement of professional conduct standards, including reporting mechanisms for staff who witness misconduct.