A doctor who abandoned a patient mid-surgery while under general anesthesia to engage in a sexual encounter with a nurse in a nearby operating theater will not face disciplinary actions. Dr. Suhail Anjum, a 44-year-old married father of three, was discovered in a compromising situation with an unnamed nurse at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, on September 16, 2023.

The senior consultant anaesthetist had 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. Following the report to hospital management, Dr. Anjum was dismissed 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 partially down and Dr. Anjum adjusting his clothing. The patient was unharmed during the eight minutes that Dr. Anjum was absent from the operating room.

Dr. Anjum expressed his remorse and desire to resume his UK medical career after relocating to Pakistan. The tribunal found that Dr. Anjum prioritized his own interests over those of the patient and colleagues, potentially compromising patient care.

The tribunal acknowledged the seriousness of Dr. Anjum’s actions but noted his remorse and low likelihood of repeating such behavior. While no sanctions were imposed, a hearing is scheduled to determine whether a warning should be issued regarding Dr. Anjum’s registration.

Dr. Anjum admitted engaging in inappropriate behavior with Nurse C and acknowledged the risk it posed to the patient.