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A photo illustration depicts a general practitioner with a stethoscope in a doctor’s office in Bordeaux, January 7, 2015. — Reuters
LONDON: A married Pakistani doctor, Dr. Suhail Anjum, allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a nurse in an operating room while a patient was under anesthesia, a medical tribunal has said.
Dr. Anjum, 44, and the nurse involved have not been publicly named, but they were found in a “compromising position” by a startled colleague who walked into the operating theater at Tameside Hospital.
The hospital’s lead anesthetist had requested another nurse to observe the male patient during the procedure so he could take a short break. Instead of returning promptly, Dr. Anjum went to a nearby operating theater at the hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, where he was found having sex with “nurse C.”
Andrew Molloy, representing the General Medical Council (GMC), stated that Dr. Anjum was overseeing five cases in operating theater five on September 16, 2013, and he left during the third case.
Shortly after, “nurse NT” entered theater eight and encountered Dr. Anjum and nurse C in a compromising situation. Molloy described her account, saying she saw nurse C with her trousers around her knees and her underwear visible while Dr. Anjum was tying his trousers.
Nurse NT was visibly shocked and quickly exited the theater. Dr. Anjum returned to theater five but was absent for approximately eight minutes before coming back.
Molloy clarified that no harm was caused to the patient during Dr. Anjum’s brief absence and the procedure continued without further issues. The nurse reported the incident to her supervisor.
Prior to the GMC hearing, Dr. Anjum admitted to the allegations, acknowledging that he engaged in sexual activity with nurse C and was aware she was nearby when he left his patient. He conceded that his actions could have compromised patient safety.
He disclosed that he left Tameside Hospital in February 2024 and returned to his homeland, Pakistan. Nevertheless, he expressed a desire to restart his medical career in the UK and assured that such an incident was a “one-off mistake” and would not happen again.
During the tribunal, Dr. Anjum described the incident as “shameful” and admitted to letting everyone down—including his patients, colleagues, and the hospital’s trust.
He explained that he felt he was unfairly asked to have the anesthesia nurse cover for him and acknowledged the uncomfortable position he caused for nurse NT.
He emphasized that his foremost concern was the patient, lamenting that his departure without informing staff deeply affected him.
With remorse, he said, “I hold myself to very high standards because I am passionate about my work. I don’t know how this happened, but I sincerely wish I could undo it. I apologize to everyone affected and hope for a chance to make amends.”
Dr. Anjum cited personal stress stemming from the premature birth of his youngest child in January 2023 as a contributing factor.
He detailed the trauma of his wife’s difficult delivery and their subsequent emotional disconnection, which affected his mental health, personal life, and professional performance.
The Manchester hearing continued on Friday, with the panel considering whether Dr. Anjum’s conduct warrants finding his fitness to practice impaired due to misconduct. A decision is expected within a few weeks.
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