A UK medical tribunal has heard that Dr Suhail Anjum, a 44-year-old consultant anaesthetist, abandoned a patient under anaesthesia during gallbladder surgery at Tameside Hospital, Greater Manchester, to engage in sexual activity with a nurse in another operating theatre.
The incident occurred on September 16, 2023, and was reported by a colleague, Nurse NT, who witnessed Dr Anjum with Nurse C in a compromising position.
Dr Anjum returned after around eight minutes to complete the procedure. He later admitted the misconduct, acknowledging that his actions could have endangered the patient, even though no harm was caused.
Speaking before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), he described the incident as a “shameful” lapse in judgment, adding:
“I let down everybody, not just my patient and myself, but my colleagues and the trust. Most importantly, I failed my patient, and it breaks me every day to think about it.”
He apologised to all involved, saying he had always set “very high standards” and wished he could “reverse” what happened.
The tribunal heard that Dr Anjum had been under significant personal strain at the time, following the premature birth of his daughter in January 2023 and the traumatic delivery experienced by his wife. He admitted the stress had taken a toll on his marriage and mental wellbeing.
Dr Anjum left Tameside Hospital in February 2024 and returned to Pakistan but told the panel he hopes to resume his medical career in the UK. He insisted the incident was a one-time lapse, saying:
“I offer my sincere apologies and want the opportunity to put this right.”
