A doctor has been charged with a series of sexual assaults against patients at a major London NHS hospital, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the medical community.
Charges Span Multiple Years
Dr Mohamed Ibrahem Al Samarrai, 29, faces a total of 13 charges of sexual assault relating to incidents that allegedly took place at University College Hospital. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges following a detailed investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred over a significant period, between November 2019 and August 2023. During this time, Dr Al Samarrai was working at the hospital, which is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Immediate Suspension and Legal Proceedings
Upon the allegations surfacing, the doctor was immediately suspended from his duties. A spokesperson for the NHS trust confirmed they had been supporting the police with their enquiries and that the individual had not worked at the trust since the investigation began.
Dr Al Samarraie appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on a recent date to face the charges. He was granted conditional bail ahead of a further hearing scheduled at Southwark Crown Court. The conditions of his bail are strict, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations.
Trust Response and Patient Safety
In a statement, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust emphasised its commitment to patient safety. "We have been supporting the police with their investigation and the individual has not worked at the trust since the investigation began," the spokesperson said.
The case highlights the critical safeguarding protocols within the NHS and the procedures followed when serious allegations are made against medical staff. The trust assured the public that patient welfare remains its absolute priority.
The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation, and the Crown Prosecution Service will now prepare to present its case. The doctor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
