Dr Daman Sharma, a former NHS doctor, has been struck off the medical register following a tribunal that uncovered a series of serious allegations against him, including grooming and harassment of patients and colleagues over more than a decade. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) found that 34 allegations, comprising a total of 117 claims of inappropriate behaviour, had been proven against Dr Sharma. These allegations were made by three nurses, two colleagues, and two vulnerable patients under the age of 18.
The tribunal revealed that Dr Sharma, who had been working in various NHS roles from October 2009 until October 2021, had engaged in a pattern of predatory behaviour which included unwanted touching and sexual harassment. Specific incidents cited included touching a young patient's thigh and questioning her about her sex life, as well as groping and making inappropriate comments during medical examinations.
Evidence presented to the tribunal stated that Dr Sharma had been arrested on two occasions in connection with the allegations; however, he was never convicted. The panel was made aware of multiple internal disciplinary actions taken against him, including a forced resignation and suspensions, yet he continued to work within the NHS during which he allegedly repeated the behaviour that ultimately led to his removal from the medical register.
Following the tribunal's conclusion, Dr Sharma was approached by the ECHO at his home in Prenton, Wirral. While he confirmed his identity and acknowledged that he had been struck off, he declined to comment further, stating that he could "not say anything at all."
The incidents of harassment stemmed from Dr Sharma’s time at a GP surgery in Oldham and at three hospitals in Merseyside, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Allegations detailed during the tribunal indicated that he displayed a pattern of intimidation and humiliation directed at his victims. For example, one patient, who was described as coming from a "difficult social background," was left in tears after a consultation in which Dr Sharma inappropriately touched her and asked invasive questions.
Sharon Beattie KC, representing the General Medical Council, outlined that Dr Sharma exhibited a worrying and entrenched pattern of predatory behaviour, asserting that he had been granted leniency throughout his professional life but failed to amend his conduct. “Despite this, and his repeated assurances that he recognised the inappropriateness of his conduct and that it would not reoccur, it did,” she stated during the tribunal.
The tribunal also highlighted previous disciplinary actions against Dr Sharma, including a 2011 inquiry into complaints about inappropriate sexual behaviour while working at Arrowe Park Hospital. Although he was presented with a compromise deal that allowed him to resign after completing his training, the matter was reported to the General Medical Council for further scrutiny.
In a personal statement made to the tribunal, Dr Sharma expressed remorse, stating: "I am sorry for my inappropriate comments and actions and accept that I bear sole responsibility for these." Nonetheless, he maintained that he did not believe he acted in a sexual or predatory manner.
Following the tribunal findings, multiple NHS organisations that employed or encountered Dr Sharma have issued statements asserting that they took necessary actions upon receiving allegations against him. Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust noted that they had no direct involvement in regulatory processes concerning Dr Sharma and expressed their inability to comment further due to this lack of involvement.
Overall, the tribunal's findings have been deemed serious enough to erase Dr Daman Sharma from the medical register, marking a significant culmination of years of complaints and investigations into his conduct within the NHS.
Source: Noah Wire Services