A prominent neurosurgeon has been suspended after a medical tribunal determined that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable female patient and repeatedly prescribed addictive painkillers without maintaining proper records or safeguards. Chirag Patel, a consultant at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, received an eight-month suspension after admitting to the relationship, sending explicit images to the patient, and prescribing controlled drugs such as diazepam and opioid-based medications.
Background of the Case
Patel first treated the woman, referred to as Patient A, in February 2019 when he performed surgery to remove damaged spinal disc tissue. He operated on her again in August 2019 and December 2021, and during a third procedure, he inserted a spinal cord stimulator. Shortly after the initial surgery, the doctor began a sexual relationship with the patient, which continued alongside his clinical involvement. He later described the situation as something he “bitterly regrets.”
Investigation and Admission
The relationship came under scrutiny after it deteriorated in 2023. The patient reported the matter to the police, who then informed the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Patel admitted to the sexual relationship and the exchange of explicit images, and he accepted that he prescribed medications including diazepam and morphine sulphate tablets to the patient. The tribunal noted that he showed “a reckless disregard for patient safety,” as he continued prescribing controlled drugs even after missed appointments and failed to properly document treatment decisions.
Defense and Tribunal Findings
Patel believed the patient might expose their relationship, which he claimed left him feeling pressured and fearful of losing his career. He stated: “I was afraid if she did so I could lose the job I so loved and had worked so hard to obtain. Given my speciality this would have a knock-on effect on other patients if I was unable to work. With the benefit of hindsight I know I should nonetheless have ended the relationship and been honest with my employer. However, at the time I felt panicked and unable to break it off - a decision I now bitterly regret.” He also told the tribunal that the patient had previously demanded money and threatened to report him, claiming: “Patient A had asked for £11,000 previously, which I did not have, so I instead offered to give her £5,000 from my savings.”
Despite arguments from his defense that the relationship was influenced by threats and blackmail, the tribunal found Patel’s misconduct was persistent and a serious breach of professional standards. General Medical Council barrister Robin Kitching argued that the doctor should be struck off, citing a risk of repetition due to a lack of full insight into his actions. However, the panel accepted that Patel had shown “genuine remorse, a high level of insight and substantial remediation,” which reduced the risk of him repeating the behavior. It ruled that an eight-month suspension was necessary to mark the seriousness of the case and maintain public confidence.
Aftermath
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board confirmed that Patel is no longer working for the organization. The case highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and proper medical documentation, especially when dealing with vulnerable patients and controlled substances.
