In a case that has profoundly shaken the National Health Service, a highly respected consultant heart surgeon has been found guilty of a degrading campaign of sexual abuse against his own staff.
Habib Khan, 61, once a revered figure in the medical community, used his position of power to prey on five female colleagues at Blackpool Victoria Hospital's cardiac unit. The shocking offences took place between 2014 and 2017, revealing a pattern of predatory behaviour that went unchecked for years.
A Betrayal of Trust in the Operating Theatre
Preston Crown Court heard harrowing details of how Khan, a specialist in life-saving heart surgery, manipulated and assaulted members of his team. The victims, including junior doctors and nursing staff, were subjected to unwanted touching, groping, and inappropriate physical contact within the hospital environment.
Despite his esteemed reputation as a skilled surgeon, Khan's conduct behind closed doors told a different story—one of systematic abuse and a blatant disregard for professional boundaries.
The Courage to Come Forward
The conviction marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation that began when multiple victims found the strength to report Khan's behaviour. Their testimony painted a consistent picture of a manipulative individual who exploited his seniority to intimidate and silence those around him.
Detectives from Lancashire Police praised the bravery of the women who came forward, acknowledging the difficulty of speaking out against such a prominent figure within the medical hierarchy.
Fallout for the NHS Trust
The case has raised serious questions about the safeguarding protocols within NHS hospitals, particularly regarding the protection of staff from harassment by senior colleagues. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has faced scrutiny over whether earlier complaints were adequately addressed.
A trust spokesperson stated: "We take such matters extremely seriously and have supported the affected staff throughout this process. We are committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all our employees."
Khan, of Devonshire Road, Blackpool, was released on bail ahead of sentencing next month. He now faces the prospect of a substantial prison term and being struck off the medical register, ending a once-distinguished career in medicine.
