A tribunal has told a consultant surgeon who lives and works in Brighton that “he must not carry out consultations with female patients without a chaperone present”.
Jeremy Stuart Clark, 58, is bound by the restriction and a series of other conditions “for 15 months, subject to review”, according to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).
The order was imposed by the MPTS Interim Orders Tribunal last week, published on the General Medical Council (GMC) register and reported by the BBC yesterday evening (Monday 27 April).
The Interim Orders Tribunal (IOT) makes decisions to “decide if a doctor’s practice should be restricted while an investigation takes place”, according to the MPTS.
The MPTS said: “Except in life-threatening emergencies, he must not carry out consultations with female patients without a chaperone present.
“He must keep a log detailing every case where he has carried out a consultation with such a patient which must be signed by the chaperone.
“He must keep a log detailing every case where he has carried out a consultation with such a patient in a life-threatening emergency, without a chaperone present.
“He must give a copy of these logs to the IOT (Interim Orders Tribunal) at his next review hearing.”
The tribunal also said: “He should not directly communicate with patients outside the normal clinical setting unless required in a life-threatening or life-saving situation.”
Mr Clark is a general surgeon specialising in keyhole surgery at the Nuffield Brighton Hospital and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.
According to his website: “I am one of Brighton’s most experienced consultant surgeons. I am a general surgeon and a specialist laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeon.
“I specialise in the treatment of colorectal diseases (bowel problems), hernias, gallstones, haemorrhoids and complex abdominal pain.”
The BBC reported University Hospitals Sussex as confirming that the General Medical Council (GMC) was investigating the conduct of a member of the trust’s staff.
The trust said: “We cannot publicly discuss details of any individual case but our actions are driven by the overriding need to keep patients safe from the risk of harm.”
The BBC reported Nuffield Health as saying: “We suspended the practising privileges of Mr Jeremy Clark while we carry out an investigation.
“While this is ongoing, you will understand that we are unable to comment further.”
The BBC added that Mr Clark had not responded to a request for a comment.
The trust said: “We cannot publicly discuss details of any individual case but our actions are driven by the overriding need to keep patients safe from the risk of harm.”
Well that must of made women feel safe ?
I was a patient of this surgeon 15 yrs ago for colon cancer, had major surgery & followed up regularly for five years or so. I saw him again last year after not requiring any intervention for over 8 yrs. He was always highly professional, courteous, considerate and aware of modesty. I was always covered prior to examination & treated with respect during it. I am a close friend of another lady treated by him with the same experiences of kindness & professionalism. I can only assume that the issue here is that a nurse had not been available to chaperone & someone complained? – but I would have no problem being seen as a patient by Mr Clark in the future or recommending him.
Either sack him or don’t . Why is the tax payer paying for someone to sit with him? Utter farce!
Chaperones are a part of the NHS!
They are usually female nurses already working the clinic – taking notes and helping with examinations for example.
If a female nurse isn’t immediatly available sometimes a female member of the admin staff can sit in.
No one is being employed specifically as a chaperone in case there are female patients on the list of people to be seen.
There normally is a nurse in attendance, probably unavailable on a certain day or 2, now it’s mandated so no more misunderstandings, also the cost has not changed to the taxpayer.
Chris and Stan are absolutely right here. And just to add to them, it also applies to male patients as well, and also to any physical exam. I’ve also known GPs who will use chaperones as a matter of course, even for non-intimate exams, because, unfortunately, some will claim things that are simply untrue.
I have been an NHS patient of Mr Clark for over 19 years. This remarkable man is a true gentleman. I have never had cause to feel uncomfortable in his presence & my diginity has always been respected. I trust this fantsntastic surgeon 100%.
Mr Clark has performed surgery on myself and my wife . He has always been kind professional and always been considerate of any modesty requirments , I would not hesitate to be treated by him in the future,
HE has my thanks and my support.