A senior NHS psychiatrist has been struck off the medical register after a tribunal found him guilty of gross professional misconduct for engaging in sexual relationships with both a vulnerable patient and a junior nurse.
Dr. Sener Yaman, who worked for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, was permanently banned from practising following a damning ruling by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS). The tribunal heard shocking details of his abuse of power and position.
Systematic Breach of Trust
The tribunal revealed that Dr. Yaman initiated a sexual relationship with a female patient under his care, a clear and fundamental violation of professional boundaries. The relationship began during her treatment and continued after her discharge, demonstrating a severe abuse of his authority.
In a further breach of ethics, the doctor also engaged in a sexual relationship with a junior nurse who was under his supervision. This dual misconduct showed a pattern of exploitative behaviour towards vulnerable individuals who relied on his professional guidance.
Tribunal's Damning Verdict
The MPTS panel heard that Dr. Yaman's actions were "deplorable" and represented a "serious abuse of the trust placed in him as a medical professional." The tribunal concluded that his behaviour was fundamentally incompatible with continuing to practise medicine.
Despite the doctor's denial of some allegations, the tribunal found the evidence against him compelling and determined that his actions had brought the medical profession into disrepute. The decision to strike him off was deemed necessary to protect public safety and maintain confidence in the healthcare system.
Institutional Failures Exposed
The case has raised serious questions about safeguarding protocols within the NHS trust. The tribunal heard evidence suggesting that concerns about Dr. Yaman's behaviour may have been known within the organisation before formal action was taken.
A spokesperson for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust stated that they have strengthened their safeguarding procedures and reporting mechanisms in response to this case, though many are questioning why such measures weren't already robust enough to prevent this misconduct.
The striking off serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining professional boundaries in healthcare and the severe consequences for those who betray the trust placed in them.
