Wigan doctor banned for a year over inappropriate examinations

A hospital doctor who worked in Wigan has been suspended after a tribunal found he carried out inappropriate examinations on two junior colleagues.

Dr Khush Bakhat Muhammad Zeeshan, who was based in the accident and emergency department at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, was the subject of a hearing by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. The panel considered allegations relating to incidents in 2021 involving two female members of staff.

According to the tribunal’s findings, both women had mentioned health concerns in workplace conversations when Dr Zeeshan offered to examine them. The panel concluded that during these encounters he acted in a sexually motivated way.

In one case, a colleague referred to as Ms A, had been discussing a swollen lymph node.  The tribunal found that Dr Zeeshan proceeded to examine her breasts and failed to explain that he intended to undertake the actions, or seek prior consent from Ms A to do so. While expert evidence indicated that such an examination can form part of a wider assessment, it was stated that it would not be appropriate without an explanation and explicit agreement.

A second incident involved another colleague,referred to as Ms B who had complained of back pain. The tribunal heard that Dr Zeeshan offered to help by manipulating her back. It found, on the balance of probabilities, that he went on to climb onto the bed, straddle her and touch her under her clothing. An independent medical expert told the hearing there was no clinical justification for this as part of a recognised spinal treatment.

The panel determined that Dr Zeeshan had taken advantage of the situations after learning about the women’s medical concerns. His actions were described as serious misconduct, and it was concluded that he had used the opportunities presented to him inappropriately.

During the hearing, Dr Zeeshan denied the allegations. His representative said he had continued working since the concerns were first raised and that no further complaints had been made. The tribunal was also told he had completed training relating to consent and now ensures a chaperone is present during intimate examinations. Statements from colleagues in support of his professional conduct were submitted.

The panel noted these steps and said they were encouraging. However, it also stated that Dr Zeeshan’s continued denial limited its ability to assess whether he had fully understood the seriousness of the findings. As a result, it concluded there remained a risk to patient safety.

Dr Zeeshan was suspended from medical practice for 12 months. The tribunal said this period would allow time for him to demonstrate insight into his conduct and show evidence of remediation.

His case will be reviewed before the end of the suspension. At that stage, the panel will consider whether he has addressed the concerns raised. If not, further action, including removal from the medical register, could be considered.