A prominent neurosurgeon has been suspended after engaging in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable female patient and prescribing her addictive painkillers. Dr Chirag Patel, who worked at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, first operated on the woman, referred to as Patient A, to remove a damaged disc portion in her spine, a tribunal heard.
Sexual Relationship and Prescriptions
Dr Patel began a sexual relationship with the patient in 2019 after performing a subsequent surgery that same year. By February 2023, their relationship had deteriorated, tribunal chair Remi Alabi stated, leading Patient A to report the surgeon to the police, who then notified Cardiff and Vale health board. Dr Patel admitted to the sexual relationship, sending explicit images, and prescribing drugs including the addictive muscle relaxant Diazepam.
Reckless Disregard for Safety
The panel concluded that Dr Patel demonstrated a reckless disregard for patient safety by continuing prescriptions even after missed appointments, failing to inform her GP, and neglecting to document the prescriptions in her records. Ms Alabi added that by not ending the relationship, the surgeon put his personal interests—securing his career, reputation, and family relationships—above Patient A's proper care.
Despite being the only surgeon in NHS Wales capable of performing certain neuropathic pain surgeries, the panel imposed an eight-month suspension to protect the public from the risks posed by his misconduct.
Defense and Blackmail Claims
Dr Patel claimed he was experiencing marital difficulties at the time. He stated, "When I persisted in telling her that the relationship had to end, Patient A threatened to reveal our relationship to others, such as my employer and colleagues. I was afraid if she did so I could lose the job I so loved and had worked so hard to obtain." He expressed regret, saying, "With the benefit of hindsight, I know I should have ended the relationship and been honest with my employer."
The surgeon prescribed Patient A the opioid painkiller MST until January 2023 along with Diazepam. He operated on her a third time that year to insert a spinal cord stimulator, four years after the initial surgeries. The panel deemed the patient vulnerable and suggested her repeated requests for painkillers may stem from addiction.
Voicemail and Tribunal Evidence
A voicemail from the patient was played at the tribunal, demanding a prescription and threatening to report him. She said, "Chirag, you had one chance, two chances, three chances and more chances. You're in the country doing your job, I don't want to f*** you over but my spine is f***ed, right? You going to man up and meet me, or are you going to be a cowardly c***?"
Dr Patel asserted he only saw her under threat of blackmail, stating, "Any romantic or friendly relationship had completely ended. Our ongoing relationship was based purely on hostility and blackmail by her towards me." He mentioned she had asked for £11,000, but he offered £5,000 from his savings.
Remorse and GMC Argument
Dr Patel expressed deep remorse for prescribing medication during the personal relationship, acknowledging it was no excuse that he acted under blackmail. The General Medical Council's barrister argued for striking him off due to a risk of repetition, citing insufficient understanding of his behaviour.
