A professional misconduct hearing has been permitted to proceed in the absence of a doctor accused of sexual impropriety while working at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Proceeding despite absence
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) opened a hearing this week concerning Dr Jawad Ahmad, who left the United Kingdom after allegations first emerged in 2020. Staffordshire Police say he travelled abroad about five years ago and is believed to be in Pakistan.
The tribunal was told there are six separate allegations of misconduct arising from incidents involving a junior doctor, referred to in hearing documents as Ms A, while both were employed at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Nature of the allegations
The allegations include a number of unwanted physical and verbal advances. According to the MPTS case summary, the complaints allege:
- invitations to dinner and requests to visit the junior doctor's home;
- unwanted physical contact, including hugging and kissing;
- forcible handling, described as pushing onto a chair; and
- inappropriate touching described as massaging the back and shoulders.
The tribunal paper states the conduct complained of was an abuse of a more senior position, sexually motivated and carried out without the consent of the junior doctor.
Local impact and institutional scrutiny
The case has prompted renewed attention to workplace safeguarding and reporting procedures within local health services. When allegations of sexual assault or harassment are made against clinicians, they engage several systems: criminal investigation by the police, employer disciplinary procedures and professional regulation by the MPTS.
Staffordshire Police confirmed an arrest was made in June 2020 on suspicion of sexual assault involving a teenage girl; the MPTS hearing also covers an allegation that the doctor failed to notify his employer about that arrest.
| Proceeding | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of allegations | 6 |
| Location | Royal Stoke University Hospital |
| Alleged timeframe | 2020 |
| Doctor's location | Believed to be in Pakistan |
What happens next
With the hearing allowed to continue in his absence, the tribunal will examine evidence and decide whether the doctor's fitness to practise has been impaired. Potential sanctions range from conditions on practice to suspension or erasure from the medical register.
For staff and patients seeking support or wishing to report concerns, NHS Trust safeguarding teams and local police remain the appropriate points of contact. The case underscores the importance of robust reporting channels and timely action when allegations are made.
InfoRadar has contacted the MPTS and the relevant NHS trust for any additional comment; Staffordshire Police has been cited regarding the doctor's departure and the earlier arrest. The tribunal will continue its proceedings in the coming days.
