Nearly a quarter of UK doctors found guilty of sexual misconduct are allowed to continue practising after receiving only a suspension, according to new research. The analysis of fitness-to-practice tribunals by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) reveals that 24% of guilty doctors were not struck off the medical register, despite the General Medical Council (GMC) recommending their removal.
The study examined 222 tribunal cases between August 2023 and August 2024, identifying 46 proven cases of sexual misconduct. In 11 of these, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) imposed a suspension rather than erasure, and in no case did it impose a tougher sanction than the GMC recommended. All perpetrators were male, with over 80% holding positions of authority, and several cases involved multiple victims.
Lead author Mei Nortley, a consultant vascular surgeon, said: 'Allowing rapists, sexual predators and those who use manipulation and coercion to return as practising doctors brings this into question.' The research cited high-profile cases, including an acute medical consultant found guilty of rape but given a 12-month suspension as a 'one-off event', and a doctor who groomed a vulnerable patient from age 14 but was only suspended due to 'insight, remediation and remorse'.
The RCS said the findings showed the regulatory system was 'failing targets of misconduct'. Vice-president Prof Vivien Lees highlighted 'deeply concerning inconsistencies' that risk 'leaving perpetrators in power and eroding trust in the profession'. The authors recommend urgent reform, including enhanced tribunal training, better victim support, and less reliance on subjective evidence in sanctions.
The GMC said it takes a zero-tolerance approach and can appeal lenient sanctions, with a 'significant proportion' of appeals resulting in stronger penalties. The MPTS said it recognises the impact of its decisions and will publish new guidance on 30 September. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson called the report 'extremely concerning' and pledged to create a culture where staff feel safe.
