The ongoing failure of regulators to properly sanction sexual abuse and harassment by doctors
The Sunday Times has recently published an interesting article and a useful reminder of the ongoing scandal in the NHS relating to doctors and NHS employees who sexually abuse or harass patients and other employees but are then allowed to return to work in some cases even after they have been found guilty of misconduct by their regulatory bodies.
They reported that the number of civil claims of sexual misconduct being dealt with by NHS Resolution – who resolve disputes for the NHS – have increased by 72 percent over the period from 2015/16 to 2024/25.
The General Medical Council (GMC) and Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) have a duty to protect the public from unfit doctors. They have however on occasions failed to strike off doctors and medical practitioners for a number of reasons including that they have undergone behavioural training courses, apologised to the survivor of the abuse or shown “genuine remorse”. In another case, a consultant was not struck off because the sexual assault was considered to be a “one-off”, did not involve a patient and did not take place at the hospital. That decision has been challenged.
The Royal College of Surgeons published some independent research confirming that the GMC had brought 55 allegations of sexual misconduct against doctors to the tribunal between August 2023 and August 2024. These cases included allegations of rape, sexual assault, harassment and offences involving children.
The allegations were found not to have been proved in 9 of the cases. In another 35 cases where the allegations were proved, the MPTS imposed the sanction that was proposed by the GMC. However, in 11 of the cases where the GMVC had proposed that the medical practitioner should be erased from the medical register the service rejected this and the abuser was only suspended.
It is clear that there are significant inconsistencies and apparent leniency in sanctions and that the current system is failing to protect the survivors of sexual abuse and harassment and the general public. It also undermines patient care and confidence in the NHS when an abuser is left in or allowed to return to a position of authority.
The MPTS issued new guidance relating to decision making in sexual misconduct claims in 2025.
In March 2026, a review of the General Medical Council by Lord Mann recommended changes in the process to ensure greater consistency and to allow regulators to consider allegations of historic sexual abuse more than 5 years ago. The government are also considering it becoming mandatory for doctors convicted in a criminal court of a sexual offence to be struck off.
In my experience, sexual abuse and harassment by a medical practitioner is hugely damaging to the patient. It is devastating for them when a professional who is meant to be caring for them abuses their authority and position of trust. It can have an adverse impact on their mental health and their ability to undergo necessary investigations and treatment.
There can be no more institutional failures in dealing with these matters. The patients who have bravely come forward to make these allegations deserve genuine accountability and for appropriate action to be taken against their abusers.
How can Jordans help?
Jordans Solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable patients whom it is alleged were sexually abused or harassed in a number of different types of medical institutions.
Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse or harassment you suffered during medical treatment. That’s why our specially trained abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.
If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors on 08009555094 or 03303001103 or request a call back.