Waverley doctor faces disciplinary for ‘sexual motivation’ during examination
A doctor practising in Waverley is facing allegations he told a patient “you’re a fit young girl” while holding her breast in an examination.
A Medical Practitioners Tribunal case is ongoing to determine if a chest examination Dr Ali Abbas carried out on a female patient 10 years ago was sexually motivated.
Dr Abbas, who got his medical degree in Pakistan in 2003, has admitted an examination took place, but all other allegations are yet to be determined.
It is alleged that in February 2012 he did not explain the nature and purpose of the examination to the patient, and failed to obtain her consent beforehand or offer her a chaperone, as is expected for intimate examinations.
The General Medical Council, which registers medical practitioners, says doctors should offer patients a chaperone for examinations of breasts, genitalia or the rectum.
They should keep the patient covered as much as possible to maintain their dignity and keep discussion relevant and not make any unnecessary personal comments.
It is alleged that after asking the patient to remove all the top half of her clothes, and while placing his hand on her breast and holding it there, Dr Abbas said: “You’re fit and healthy. You’re a fit young girl, you have nothing to worry about. I’ve calmed your heart rate down,” or words to that effect.
When she became visibly upset he allegedly failed to acknowledge her distress or pause the examination and offer to rearrange for another time.
Three members of the tribunal service will decide if his fitness to practice is impaired due to misconduct.
The hearing started in Manchester on Monday (January 10) and is listed for 12 days until January 25 before an outcome is published.