A scandal-hit doctor who was suspended for groping
A scandal-hit doctor who was suspended for groping a patient faces being struck off after a wave of new complaints.
Breast surgeon Graham Ponting, 47, was banned from practicing for 12 months in February last year after he molested a woman during a consultation.
And following the misconduct hearing at the GMC five more women came forward with similar allegations.
One claims he rubbed against her, breathing heavily while she was semi-naked, and another said he massaged her back and put his hands down her trousers.
A third woman said he tried to kiss her and a 43-year-old even claims Dr Ponting deliberately took his time as he examined her breasts and was so gentle that she had to ask him to do it again.
Sarah Vaughan-Jones, for the GMC, said: ‘This case concerns Dr Ponting’s behaviour with five patients who were referred to him, in four cases because of lumps in the breast and one for varicose vein surgery.
‘They all came forward to complain quite recently following his appearance here last year.
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The committee was told that all the alleged incidents happened whilst Dr Ponting was working as a consultant surgeon at the BUPA Hartswood Hospital in Brentwood, Essex.
The first patient, aged 48, visited him in September 1995 with a breast lump.
After a mammogram he asked her to remove her top and lie on the couch before he took fluid from the lump.
Miss Vaughan-Jones said: ‘As the woman stepped down from the couch afterwards Dr Ponting pulled her into an embrace.
‘She remembered him breathing heavily and he appeared to have an erection which he then proceeded to rub against her.
‘She asked him to let go and he said he would not.
‘She then pushed him away and he reverted to clinical mode.
‘Shortly afterwards the patient left in a state of some disbelief.
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In October 1996 Dr Ponting removed a breast lump in a 40-year-old woman but at a later appointment she claims he touched her indecently.
Miss Vaughan-Jones said: ‘While examining her Dr Ponting said she had very dry skin and offered to put some oil on for her.
‘He started to massage her breasts and stomach.
He asked her to turn over and although she felt uneasy she did as he asked.
‘He massaged her back, running his hand down the base of her spine and just inside her trousers.
‘She was upset but decided not to take matters any further.
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The woman said that after the examination she thought Dr Ponting was going to kiss her.
In the summer of 1997 another woman patient saw Dr Ponting after he had removed a breast lump.
She alleges he offered to rub cream into her breast and that it made her feel ‘uncomfortable.
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A fourth woman aged 43 said in another incident the same year claims that Dr Ponting did not even have his eyes open when he examined her breasts.
Miss Vaughan-Jones continued: ‘She laid on her back on the couch and he examined her with his eyes closed or staring at the wall.
‘She felt he was standing very close to her so that she could feel his body against her side.
‘She felt it was prolonged and unduly gentle, so much so that she had to ask him to press harder.
‘He had to redo the examination and press harder.
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The fifth woman, aged 30, who had a problem with varicose veins, alleges that in November 1998 Dr Ponting massaged her back during a consultation to ‘help her relax.
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Miss Vaughan-Jones said: ‘She had to take her top off and Dr Ponting asked her to undo her bra strap so he could massage her properly.
‘She thought it was something that needed to be done and agreed even though she felt a bit tense.
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The committee was also told that at another consultation in January 1999 Dr Ponting wished the woman a happy new year and attempted to kiss her on the lips.
Miss Vaughan-Jones said: ‘She moved away and left as quickly as she could.
‘All five of these patients did not say anything at the time but made complaints later on either after seeing a newspaper article or being prompted by a letter from the hospital informing them of Dr Ponting’s suspension.
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Dr Ponting, whose address was given as Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, has not attended the hearing.
He is charged with serious professional misconduct.
The hearing continues.
ends
adddoctor.
