A shocking case: A doctor left surgery mid-operation for sex with a nurse but is allowed to continue practice. Here’s the full bizarre story.
Usually, when someone says, “the doctor stepped out for a quick break,” we assume it’s for coffee—or maybe the bathroom. What we don’t expect? That the “break” involves a nurse, an empty room, and trousers being tied back up.
And yet, welcome to the case of Dr Suhail Anjum, a married father-of-three, who became the headline nobody wanted to read.
When your doctor takes “a quick step out” during surgery, you’d hope it’s for sanitizer, not scandal.
The Incident That Shocked Everyone
On September 16, 2023, at Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester, Dr Anjum—a consultant anaesthetist—was supervising a male patient under general anaesthetic. Instead of simply stepping away for a restroom break, he asked another nurse to monitor the patient.
Then, he headed to another operating theatre (used partly as a storage room) and engaged in sexual activity with Nurse C.
Unfortunately for him, another colleague walked in. What they found? Nurse C’s trousers around her knees, underwear visible, and Dr Anjum adjusting his own trousers. Yes, not your everyday hospital drama.
A Timeline of Trouble
- September 2023: Incident occurs.
- February 2024: Hospital management dismisses Dr Anjum after investigation.
- 2024–2025: Dr Anjum relocates with his family to Pakistan and continues working as a doctor.
- September 2025: A UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) disciplinary hearing rules on his case.
Tribunal Findings: Serious, Yet “Low Risk”
The MPTS tribunal, chaired by Rebecca Miller, was clear: this was serious misconduct.
- Dr Anjum put his own interests before patient care.
- His behaviour had the potential to distract him from a patient who relied on his full attention.
- His actions undermined trust in the profession.
Yet—here comes the twist—the tribunal also said he posed a “very low risk” of repeating this behaviour.
Why? Because:
- He admitted his wrongdoing fully.
- He showed remorse, calling it “shameful.”
- The misconduct, while serious, was deemed a “one-off error of judgment.”
So, no sanctions were imposed. He is allowed to continue practising, though the tribunal may still issue a formal warning on his registration.
His Own Words
During testimony, Dr Anjum didn’t sugarcoat it.
- “It was quite shameful, to say the least. I only have myself to blame.”
- “I let down my patient, myself, and my colleagues.”
- “It won’t happen again.”
Essentially, a public mea culpa—but whether that restores public confidence is another question entirely.
The Bigger Picture: Trust in Doctors
Doctors hold a unique place in society. We literally put our lives in their hands. Which is why stories like this shake public trust.
According to the General Medical Council, professional misconduct cases are taken very seriously. Standards aren’t just about clinical ability; they’re about behaviour, ethics, and public confidence.
In this case, the tribunal acknowledged that while Dr Anjum’s conduct was unacceptable, a permanent ban wasn’t necessary.
The “Low Risk” Debate
Here’s where it gets controversial.
- Is one mistake enough to end a career?
- Or is forgiveness part of the system—especially when no patient was harmed?
The tribunal leaned towards rehabilitation rather than punishment. Critics, however, argue that public faith in healthcare could be damaged if such behaviour isn’t strongly penalised.
Think about it—would you feel fully safe knowing your doctor once abandoned surgery for personal pleasures?
Medical Drama Meets Real Life
If this sounds like a script from a scandalous TV drama, you’re not alone. But unlike fiction, the consequences here are real.
- A doctor’s reputation is scarred.
- A nurse is forever linked to the incident.
- A hospital is embarrassed.
- And patients everywhere are left shaking their heads.
It’s the kind of story that makes you double-check who’s standing behind the operating mask.
A Rare Case
Now, let’s be clear: most doctors are professionals who live up to the highest standards. Misconduct cases like this are extremely rare.
Still, when they happen, they grab headlines because they feel so unbelievable. Medicine is built on trust, discipline, and dedication. So when that image cracks, even slightly, the whole structure feels shaky.
What Happens Next?
Dr Anjum plans to return to the UK and resume his career. His family, who had moved with him to Pakistan, is expected to relocate as well.
The tribunal will reconvene in Manchester to decide if a warning should be issued. But for now, he’s officially allowed to practice.
It’s a decision that has stirred debate, but also underlined one thing: in medicine, human flaws and professional responsibilities often collide in messy, very human ways.
The Takeaway
So, what can we take from this unusual case?
- Doctors are human. They make mistakes—but when mistakes involve patient safety, accountability is critical.
- Systems matter. Tribunals weigh not just the past, but the future. If someone poses a low risk of repeating, leniency can be applied.
- Public trust is fragile. Once shaken, it’s hard to rebuild.
A Broader Conversation
This isn’t just about one doctor in Manchester. It’s about the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in professional fields.
Should one error define an entire career? Or should remorse and rehabilitation open a path forward?
These are uncomfortable but necessary conversations, especially when patient care is on the line.
What’s your take? Should Dr Anjum have been banned for life, or was the tribunal right to give him a second chance?
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