Scandal of doctors accused of rape and sexual assault left free to work in NHS
Over a third of doctors accused of sexual misconduct returned to NHS after short suspensions
- Medical tribunals are criticized for failing victims by issuing lenient sanctions, such as suspensions instead of outright bans, to doctors accused of sexual misconduct.
- New research reveals that over a third of doctors facing sexual misconduct tribunals in 2023-24 were permitted to return to practice after receiving short suspensions.
- The General Medical Council has frequently challenged the Medical Practitioner’s Tribunal Service's decisions in court, arguing that sanctions for alleged sexual predators were unduly lenient.
- Notable cases include a doctor accused of rape receiving a 12-month suspension and a surgeon, Dr. James Gilbert, allowed to work again despite multiple sexual harassment allegations.
- Campaigners warn that the current system fails to protect staff and patients, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity and undermining confidence in the medical profession.