Review finds UK medical tribunal sanctions for doctor sexual misconduct too lenient

A review of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service found sanctions in cases of doctors' sexual misconduct are too lenient in about a quarter of rulings. The independent study analyzed 222 MPTS tribunal decisions issued between August 2023 and August 2024, with 46 cases showing proven sexual misconduct. The report criticizes the MPTS for failing victims and, in some instances, compounding their trauma. The MPTS said it recognizes the impact of tribunal decisions and will publish new guidance for tribunals soon. The MPTS is the body that assesses whether doctors are fit to practise in the United Kingdom, and it operates independently of, but is funded by and accountable to, the General Medical Council, which investigates complaints and prosecutes doctors.

Among the 46 cases, offences included harassment, grooming and sexual assault of patients, colleagues and children. One 2024 case involved a UK transplant surgeon who received an eight-month suspension despite misconduct spanning more than a decade; the GMC had sought to strike him off and appealed alongside the Professional Standards Authority. In another case, a doctor who pursued and groomed a vulnerable patient from age 14 was suspended for 12 months rather than being struck off; the panel cited evidence of insight, remediation and remorse. The study's authors noted inconsistent sanctions, a chronic lack of tribunal member training, and poor support for victims and witnesses. They found that 65% of the sexual misconduct cases led to doctors being struck off, while 35% resulted in only a short suspension. In nearly 24% of cases the sanction was more lenient than GMC recommendations, and in none did the tribunal impose a harsher sanction than advised.

Mei Nortley, a consultant vascular surgeon and lead author, said the findings raise questions about the regulator's effectiveness. 'Allowing rapists, sexual predators and those who use manipulation and coercion to return as practising doctors brings this into question,' Nortley said. The Royal College of Surgeons of England said the findings show the regulation system is failing. Its Vice President, Prof Vivien Lees, added that guidance alone is not enough and tribunals must be trained to apply it consistently. The GMC said it takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual misconduct and that it can appeal decisions; it noted that a significant proportion of its appeals are successful and result in stronger sanctions.

Tamzin Cuming and Prof Carrie Newlands from the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS) said: 'Right now, the system gives little more than a slap on the wrist for abuse, when only erasure and accountability can ensure safety.' A spokesman for the MPTS said it was important doctors have a fair hearing and that the service would soon publish a new suite of guidance for tribunals, covering all aspects of hearings. It will draw together existing guidance, recent case law, and best practice from other jurisdictions to assist tribunals in reaching consistent and well-reasoned decisions.

The study, conducted by six independent academics, analyzed 222 tribunal decisions and focused on 46 cases of proven sexual misconduct. It highlights that most cases involved male doctors in senior roles, such as consultants, GPs, or registrars, and that several cases involved multiple victims across extended periods, underscoring what the authors described as systemic abuse. The authors emphasized the need for reform in training for tribunal members and better support for victims and witnesses who participate in hearings. The MPTS noted it has begun updating its guidance on sanctions and is reviewing how hearings are conducted to ensure fairness while upholding patient safety. The watchdog group representing patients and survivors said reform is overdue and urged clearer, binding standards that government and regulators should enforce.

The political and regulatory response to the findings reflects ongoing concern about how medical discipline is applied in cases of sexual misconduct. Advocates say robust, consistent sanctions are essential to protect patients and maintain public trust, while regulators stress the importance of due process and the right to a fair hearing. Public health experts say that ensuring accountability in medical regulation is crucial to prevent repeat offenses and to support victims seeking justice. As new guidance is prepared, stakeholders will be watching for concrete changes in how tribunals assess culpability, determine penalties, and manage remediation and monitoring for doctors returning to practice.