A SENIOR doctor who left a patient in the middle of an operation to have sex with a nurse has been cleared to return to work
, 44, was caught in a “compromising position” with his colleague who had her trousers “around her knees with her underwear on display”.
Dr Anjum, 44, has been allowed to return to work
The married father-of-three was caught having sex with a nurse while his patient was on the operating table
A Medical Practitioners Tribunal hearing heard the steamy sex session was initiated at Tameside Hospital, in , on September 16, 2023.
The married father-of-three qualified as an anaesthetist in his native in 2004 before moving to the UK in 2011.
He admitted the allegations and the panel today found Dr Anjum was guilty of serious misconduct.
Panel chair Rebecca Miller said Dr Anjum “left a vulnerable patient unattended in the middle of an operation and placed his own interests before those of his patient and colleagues”.
However officials considered there to be a “very low risk” of the behaviour being repeated.
It was accepted Dr Anjum’s “deplorable” actions had been “a momentary lapse of judgement rather than a sustained pattern of behaviour”.
The doctor was let off with a written warning, which will be on his record for two years, and the panel ultimately ruled his fitness to practice was not impaired.
At a hearing last week, Andrew Malloy, representing the General Medical Council, said Dr Anjum went for a “short break” during a removal.
He left his patient with “experienced anaesthetic” Nurse SK.
A second staff member, referred to as Nurse NT, walked into an operating theatre.
She saw the doctor in a “compromising position” with a colleague, referred to as Nurse C, while Dr Anjum was tying up his trousers.
Mr Malloy said: “She described seeing Nurse C with trousers round her about her knees with her underwear on display and Dr Anjum in the process of tying up the cord on his trousers.
“Nurse NT was shocked and very quickly walked through the theatre before returning to theatre five.”
Dr Anjum went back to theatre and completed the keyhole surgery after being away for roughly eight minutes.
Nurse NT reported what she witnessed to a manager and Dr Anjum was investigated.
He left the hospital in February 2024, after working at Tameside and Glossop NHS Trust for nine years, and returned to Pakistan.
Dr Anjum admitted his patient could have been put at risk due to actions, although they were unharmed.
Giving evidence he said the sexual encounter had unfolded during an emotionally difficult time after his youngest daughter was born sleeping.
He said: “My daughter was born… very very weak. My wife had a very traumatic birth. It was a stressful experience. We had no family support in the UK.
“Because of the trauma my wife wasn’t able to do a lot so I had to take it on myself. I was working full-time, supporting my wife, supporting my kids. It was exhausting.
“We didn’t have any personal life for months. We failed to connect as a couple.”
He added: “It was embarrassing. I let down everybody – my patient, myself, the trust.
“I don’t know how and why it happened but I wish I could reverse. It was the lowest point of my career and I am very sorry for that.
“I don’t know what I was thinking. Many things clouded my judgement. I only have myself to blame.”
The panel was told Dr Anjum wants to return to the UK and be granted a second chance.
Dr Anjum said today: “I have let down everybody. It was the lowest point of my career.
“I am genuinely sorry and shamed and fully recognise the seriousness of my behaviour.
“It was a one-off error and I will never repeat this behaviour.
“I would like to ensure the panel that it will not happen again but that does not take away the guilt and embarrassment.
“I have only myself to blame.”
Tribunal chair Ms Miller said: “Dr Anjum was an experienced consultant anaesthetist in a position of responsibility.
“His actions were a significant departure from the standards expected of a medical professional, made more serious by his seniority, leadership role within the trust and level of expertise.
“The Tribunal notes that he ought to have exercised better judgment.
“The Tribunal accepted that Dr Anjum’s actions reflected a momentary lapse of judgment rather than a sustained pattern of behaviour.
“Dr Anjum has been honest since the incident, admitted the allegations, shown genuine remorse, and reflected at length on the impact of his behaviour on those involved.
“Nonetheless, the Tribunal determined that the issuing of a warning is appropriate and proportionate in this case. The warning will serve both as a deterrent and as a reminder to Dr Anjum of the importance of maintaining professional standards at all times.”
Dr Anjum moved back to his native Pakistan but wants to return to the UK 
