Osteopath Suspended for Affair with Married Patient After Clinic Betrayal
A female osteopath has been suspended from practice after being discovered in an affair with a married patient, whose wife, also treated at the same clinic, alerted the clinic's management to the adultery. Rachel Say, an American osteopath based at Derby Cottage Clinic in Newmarket, Suffolk, treated the patient for back pain over nine months starting in May 2024, during which time romantic feelings developed between them.
Valentine's Day Card Sparks Conflicting Emotions
The relationship came to light after the patient gave Ms Say a Valentine's Day card concealed in a bag of American snacks last year, leaving her with conflicting feelings for the man. This prompted Ms Say to cease treating the patient on February 14, advising him to seek care from a different practitioner. However, just two days later, she contacted him again, requesting assistance with electrical work at her home.
Wife's Suspicion Leads to Exposure
The patient's wife grew suspicious when he lied about his whereabouts, leading him to admit he was seeing Ms Say, a mother-of-one. The adulterous couple spent the day together, culminating in the patient confessing his feelings for Ms Say to his wife and revealing they had kissed. Despite his wife's distress, he returned to Ms Say's house the following day.
Upon discovering the affair, the wife demanded a divorce and informed the patient's mother, leaving Ms Say confused as the patient had consistently told her that his wife was aware and supportive. The furious wife then confronted Ms Say's boss at the clinic, where she was also a patient, leading to immediate action.
Tribunal Findings and Suspension
Despite Ms Say attributing her ill-judged actions to burnout and not visiting the United States for five years, her boss suspended her and referred the case to a General Osteopath Council tribunal in London. The tribunal found that Ms Say had ignored red flags due to her desire for a sexual relationship, breaching both sexual and professional boundaries.
As a result, her licence to practice was suspended for three months on January 29, citing her dishonest and sexually motivated behaviour. The patient testified that Ms Say remained professional and never crossed any lines, adding that he misled her about the state of his marriage.
Background and Future Review
Ms Say and the patient had exchanged numbers and texted sporadically during Christmas 2024. At her request, he brought American Goldfish crisps to an appointment after the festive break. Following this, he texted her expressing hope he had not overstepped the mark and valued their friendship, complimenting her as an amazing listener and friend.
Ms Say will be required to attend a review hearing at the end of the three-month suspension before she can return to practice, pending further evaluation by the medical council.
