logo
Doctor suspended for sexual relationship with teen

Doctor suspended for sexual relationship with teen

BBC Newsa day ago

A doctor has been suspended after engaging in an "inappropriate" sexual relationship with a former patient he first met at a children's hospital.Dr Cian Hughes was a 23-year-old fourth year medical student at the University of Bristol when he met the 13-year-old girl in 2011. They began a sexual relationship in 2015, when she was 17.A tribunal panel found Dr Hughes' fitness to practice was impaired "by reason of misconduct" and handed him a year suspension.The University of Bristol said medical students "undergo comprehensive ethical training, are subject to enhanced DBS checks", while a spokesperson for Bristol Children's Hospital said "inappropriate behaviour" would not be tolerated.
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Panel heard that Dr Hughes, who now lives in Ireland, began exchanging "personal" messages with the girl, known as Patient A, after she was discharged in 2011.There was "frequent" communication between the pair after she asked for copies of her X-rays, which Dr Hughes forwarded from his personal email, as he was unable to access his NHS account. His email signature also contained both of his mobile phone numbers.Dr Hughes accepted there had been an imbalance of power within the dynamic, but insisted it was a "very loving relationship which had developed quickly online", the tribunal heard.
'Sexual fantasies'
The tribunal report stated: "Patient A had been an inpatient for several weeks and it was evident from the continuing correspondence that she had made a connection with Dr Hughes."Despite her vulnerable status, the tribunal also heard he considered Patient A to be his "equal" and was "very much in love with her".Late in 2014, when Patient A was 17 years old, the pair began exchanging messages which consisted of sexual acts and fantasies, which they described as "daydreams".The pair spent the night together at Dr Hughes' flat on numerous occasions, the tribunal report said. The report also detailed how Patient A had been impacted by the relationship, stating that she now had a "distrust of authority figures, medical professionals and medical appointments" and difficulty communicating her wishes, as well as a "general mistrust of men" outside her family. The relationship came to an end in 2016 when Dr Hughes moved to Ireland to take up a job as a medical researcher.In June 2020, Patient A - now in her 20s - made a complaint to police but the investigation was discontinued with no charges filed against Dr Hughes.Her concerns were raised with the General Medical Council shortly afterwards.
'Safety top priority'
The tribunal panel said there were "no patient safety concerns in this case and that the risk of repetition was low", and ruled that a review hearing should take place before the end of the 12-month suspension period.
A University of Bristol spokesperson said that all medical students "undergo comprehensive ethical training, are subject to enhanced DBS checks, and are taught the importance of following fitness to practice guidelines from their first day". They added that guidance was "reinforced throughout" their studies, and explained that students are "specifically instructed not to share personal information with patients, including mobile numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts". The University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the children's hospital, said patient safety was of "top priority" and that "inappropriate behaviour" would not be tolerated. "We are proud to support the education of future NHS colleagues and are confident in the work of our academic partners to prepare their students for the high level of responsibility and privilege of training in a hospital," they added. "We would always encourage anyone, patient or colleague, to come forward if they are subjected to, or aware of, any misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. You will be listened to, and we will take swift and decisive action."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Nottingham maternity scandal hospital data was ‘maliciously' deleted, police say
Nottingham maternity scandal hospital data was ‘maliciously' deleted, police say

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Nottingham maternity scandal hospital data was ‘maliciously' deleted, police say

A computer file containing the details of cases linked to the NHS's largest maternity scandal was 'intentionally' and 'maliciously' deleted, a police investigation has found. Nottinghamshire Police launched a probe earlier this year after records held by Nottinghamshire University Hospitals Foundation Trust (NUH) and linked to the alleged maternity failings were temporarily lost. The data was later recovered and 300 more cases are expected to be added to the inquiry into the scandal after a discrepancy was noted by a coroner. NUH is currently being investigated for potential corporate manslaughter after The Independent revealed babies had died or suffered serious injuries at its maternity units. The investigation into the deleted hospital data is not related to the corporate manslaughter probe. The trust is also the subject of an inquiry led by top midwife Donna Ockenden, who is investigating the cases of 2,400 families who experienced maternity care at the trust, including deaths and injuries. Detectives launched a criminal investigation into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in September 2023 after concerns were raised about severe harm allegedly linked to the trust's maternity services. In an email to the affected families, seen by The Independent, police said that the data loss was 'most likely to be the action of an individual who had knowledge of the existence and location of the material'. Police said they were satisfied the data was not lost due to 'systemic corruption' and said 'it is most likely to have been done intentionally/maliciously rather than accidentally'. But officers were unable to identify the individual responsible. Families affected by the scandal told The Independent they would like to thank the police for their investigation. They said: 'We are distressed that they were unable to find who did this. We are appalled to hear this news, though sadly we are not surprised.' 'To know it is most likely an individual who most likely intentionally/maliciously deleted files of such importance is of grave concern. As families, we all gave our trust to NUH staff in our most vulnerable state of life and we deserved better. 'To know that there is most likely an individual who is capable of such behaviour is devastating for the already harmed and for the future of NUH safety. We call for openness at the worrying time and for the individual, their colleagues or anyone who knows anything about this to come forwards as a matter of urgency. This is a patient safety emergency.' In 2020, an exposé by The Independent found evidence of repeated poor care, spanning a decade at the NUH, with families accusing the hospital of covering up what happened to them. The investigation, conducted jointly with Channel 4, found 46 cases of babies who had been left with permanent brain damage, 19 stillbirths and 15 deaths. Several families and staff came forward to The Independent with stories of failings by the trust. A major review was commissioned in July 2020, but was soon superseded by Ms Ockenden's independent review. Commenting on the data loss investigation, temporary deputy chief Constable Rob Griffin said: 'Following consultation with HM Coroner and the Donna Ockenden review, a difference in the number of referred cases was identified. With the agreement of all involved, NUH appointed someone to review some of these cases. 'That person created a digital file in relation to their work. Along the journey, that file was found to have been deleted and NUH alerted Nottinghamshire Police to this fact. 'The file was recovered and provided to Nottinghamshire Police and a meticulous investigation has taken place. 'This has been completed by our cyber and digital teams, and although evidence suggested that this was more likely to have been deleted through an intentional individual action, we have not been able to identify a person responsible for this. NUH was approached for comment.

Groundbreaking cancer treatment which ‘destroys tumours with sound' to be rolled out on NHS
Groundbreaking cancer treatment which ‘destroys tumours with sound' to be rolled out on NHS

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Groundbreaking cancer treatment which ‘destroys tumours with sound' to be rolled out on NHS

NHS patients will be the first in Europe to benefit from a pioneering new cancer treatment which uses ultrasound to destroy tumours. The technology, known as histotripsy, offers a non-invasive treatment capable of breaking down liver cancer tissue without surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, with minimal damage to the surrounding organs, according to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). First approved by US regulators in October 2023, histotripsy uses pulsed sound waves to create 'bubble clouds' from gases present in the targeted tissue and tumour. When these bubbles pop, within microseconds, a shockwave is released which is capable of breaking up a mass and killing cancerous cells, while avoiding the harms of radiation and reducing the risks of bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding non-targeted tissue. Treatment is delivered via a single session – potentially taking just 30 minutes – with limited or no pain, a quick recovery, and can be performed as a day case, according to the DHSC. The first NHS patients are set to be treated this summer at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where the technology – which uses a device called an Edison System, created by US firm HistoSonics – is being debuted after a donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation. Cancer Research UK describes liver cancer as the 17th most common cancer in the UK and the 8th most frequent cause of cancer death. More than 8,000 people received a new diagnoses in 2022, with liver cancer incidence across the UK having surged by 42 per cent over the past decade, according to the British Liver Trust. So far, more than 1,500 patients worldwide have received treatment using histotripsy, mainly in the United States – following approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in late 2023. According to 12-month follow-up data from HistoSonics' previous clinical trials, which involved patients for whom other treatments had been either unsuccessful or unavailable, overall survival rates after one year were 73.3 per cent for primary liver cancer, and 48.6 per cent for those with secondary tumours. The paper, published in the Annals of Surgery journal in April, noted that both tumour control and survival rates were similar to those among other current treatments. The UK's new device is expected to be fully installed in Cambridge later this year, where it will be used initially to treat patients with primary and secondary liver tumours. Wider research on how this could potentially treat tumours in other organs – such as the pancreas and kidneys – is underway. The technology has been approved in the UK via the innovative devices access pathway, which aims to enable faster approvals of medical devices and treatments which evidence shows are safe, efficient and can fill unmet need. 'This is a strong example of smart, agile regulation in action,' said James Pound, of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 'It's a major step forward for patients with liver cancer and shows how the UK can be a frontrunner in supporting responsible innovation that meets real clinical need.' While 'regulation is vital to protect patients', the government is 'slashing red tape, so game-changing new treatments reach the NHS front line quicker – transforming healthcare', said health secretary Wes Streeting. Hailing histotripsy as 'an exciting new technology that will make a huge difference to patients', Roland Sinker, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said: 'By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases. 'The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time.' Fiona Carey, a kidney cancer patient who co-chairs Cambridge's patient advisory group, added: 'This is seriously good news. A new, non-invasive option to treat these cancers is very welcome indeed. 'For patients for whom ordinary surgery is no longer an option, this could make all the difference.'

Anger grows after boy, 8, was denied NHS care because he attends private school as top Tory blasts 'unfair, outrageous punishment of child'
Anger grows after boy, 8, was denied NHS care because he attends private school as top Tory blasts 'unfair, outrageous punishment of child'

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Anger grows after boy, 8, was denied NHS care because he attends private school as top Tory blasts 'unfair, outrageous punishment of child'

A former senior Tory MP has slammed health bosses after an eight-year-old boy was denied NHS care because he attends a private school. Sir Jake Berry, who was Conservative Party Chairman, said the case was 'absolutely unfair', 'outrageous' and symptomatic of a 'failing system'. And he said it 'may well be the case' that the public sector has now 'turned against people who choose to pay for their kids' education'. This week, the Mail on Sunday revealed how the boy was unable to access occupational therapy for his hypermobility syndrome because he did not attend a state school. The former MP for Rossendale and Darwen said he sympathises with the family as he has had to fight for additional help for his own son, who has autism. He told LBC Radio: 'I have a severely autistic child who is non-verbal, and I battle regularly with the authorities to try to get him the support I need. 'I know what a struggle it is for children with additional needs. 'No matter how wealthy you may be, it is a huge struggle. His mother discovered health staff had written a letter to her GP saying: 'We are unable to see this child as we do not provide a service to school age children who attend an independent schools [sic]'. Pictured: Children's occupational therapy referral criteria from the Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust website 'When you see something like this, that you know is absolutely unfair, and when you've got some experience of trying to navigate the system yourself, it's worthwhile taking the opportunity to highlight [it]. 'This is a failing system. This is an outrageous part of it.' Sir Jake said the case was akin to a family being told they cannot use Accident and Emergency services because they are signed up to private healthcare. He said: 'It's completely wrong to punish children for the choices their parents make.' And he added: 'This [case] bears further inspection. It may well be the case that the public sector has turned against people who choose to pay for their kids' education.' The intervention comes after the family of the child, who asked to remain anonymous, said they believed a 'two-tier system' is at play. However, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said any suggestion school choice was a factor was a 'miscommunication'. According to the boy's mother, he was referred to a paediatrician at Kingston Hospital in south-west London after she noticed he was 'struggling to hold the pen well enough to write properly', along with other mobility issues. At the hospital appointment she was asked to fill in a form which asked: 'Where does your child go to school?' She had been hoping to get an appointment with Richmond children's occupational therapy service that would have been the 'most important stage' of his assessment. However, days later, she received a text message saying the child had been 'declined' the crucial next appointment with occupational health therapists. She then discovered that the specialist unit had written a letter to her GP, seen by the Mail, saying: 'We are unable to see this child as we do not provide a service to school age children who attend an independent schools [sic]. 'We are only commissioned to provide a service to the mainstream schools.' The boy's older brother – who has the same condition, had been treated without issue several years earlier. Also during the LBC programme, Mike Trace, chairman of the Private Education Policy Forum, said it was a 'strange case'. He said he recognised core medical care is still free at the point of use, but occupational health is treated in a number of different ways. He said: 'A wide range of services related to special needs are treated a different way and in various ways are underfunded and rationed… 'It looks like an attempt to target the services and as I say, a criteria saying which school you went to, which may or may not indicate your wealth, does seem a strange way to ration the services.' And during the show, hosted by Nick Ferrari, Sir Jake, who served as Tory Chairman in 2022 and lost his seat in 2024, admitted that his party did not do enough for this sector while in government. He said: 'This sector is chronically underfunded and I hope that with the spending review this week that the government, and I don't care which government is, will find more money for this sector.' He revealed one of the few 'really serious rows' he had during his years in Parliament was with Jeremy Hunt before the last budget, trying to get him to increase funding for this sector – which he did. 'Parents are desperate,' he added. 'I often feel desperate, with my wife. We need more funding for our children in this sector. The last government didn't do it. I'm really hoping the Labour Party might.' When contacted by the Mail, a spokesman for Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust said the boy had not been denied treatment because of his school. They said occupational therapy services are provided to all children who hold an education, health and care plan (EHCP), regardless of their school. For those without an EHCP, some state schools provide an on-site NHS occupational therapy advice. The spokesman added: 'We are sorry if the wording of our correspondence has caused upset and confusion; we will amend it prospectively.' It is understood anyone without an ECHP who attends a private school would not be able to use on-site services at state schools. A DHSC spokesman said: 'NHS services are free at the point of use to all. 'NHS occupational therapy services are provided for all children with an EHCP. 'For those without an EHCP, some schools provide on-site NHS occupational therapy. 'The Trust has apologised for any miscommunication in its correspondence with the family and is amending its wording to avoid any confusion in the future.' The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has called on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to take action over the case. It comes after the Mail on Sunday also revealed other similar cases. These included the mother of an autistic girl in Somerset saying her daughter was denied access to NHS mental health services, and was told: 'If you can afford the school fees, you should pay privately. If you had kept your child at the local authority primary school, she would have been supported.' It is also understood that in Norfolk a child was refused a much-needed standing frame by the NHS because he went to private school. And last month it was revealed young cancer patients from private schools had to pay £115 an hour for tutoring in an Edinburgh hospital's wards, while it is provided free to state school pupils by the city council. The controversy comes as families await a judgement from the High Court over the Government's decision to place VAT on private school fees.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store