Misconduct claims lead to doctor’s suspension

A SOUTH Yorkshire doctor has been suspended for 10 months following allegations of serious misconduct.

Dr Christian Hanson was working as a speciality doctor in emergency medicine at Rotherham General Hospital when the incident occurred.

A tribunal hearing, which concluded on Thursday, heard that Dr Hansen’s conduct had “subjected ( the victim) to unwanted sexually motivated behaviour when she was alone with him in a consulting room”. The victim, referred to as Ms A, was a nurse working with Dr Hanson on the night of June 5, 2018.

A document issued after the hearing said that Ms A’s evidence was consistent throughout and she had a “good working relationship” with Dr Hanson prior to the incident.

It said Dr Hanson had not given evidence but statements he had given to the trust during initial investigations were considered.

While he maintained nothing untoward had happened, the tribunal considered it was “highly unlikely” that Ms A would fabricate her account and she had no reason to do so.

General Medical Council representative Daniel Fugallo submitted that “a hospital doctor will often be in a position of power over a nurse.”

He submitted because of the seriousness of the incident, which involved an” abuse of trust”, immediate action should be taken to protect public confidence in the profession.

Rotherham General Hospital has been contacted for comment.