NAKUM: DOCTOR WHO TOOK BLOOD AND SYRINGE HOME CAN WORK AGAIN
A doctor who wandered home in his scrubs carrying patient blood samples and a syringe containing a powerful sedative is free to take up a new hospital hospital post this summer.
Dr Hiten Nakum was suspended for three months in April after the General Medical Council ruled his actions were irresponsible, dishonest, and a potential risk to public health and safety.
The hearing was told Nakum ended up in court for attacking his wife in October 2008.
He admitted assault by beating in January 2009, and was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £50 compensation to his wife with £200 prosecution costs.
Police attended his home the following month where they found two blood samples from patients and a a 2.5ml syringe containing 1.2ml of the class C drug Midazolam on a kitchen cabinet.
Nakum admitted he had taken both items home from St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, by mistake, after walking home in his scrubs.
The panel accepted that he had taken the blood home accidentally, but said it ‘could not credit’ that he would accidentally place an unlabelled syringe in his pocket.
Having known that they were at his home, the doctor had failed to dispose of them properly, it ruled.
Nakum then ignored orders not to re-enter the hospital during a period of exclusion while he was under investigation.
The original panel ruled that only the removal of the drugs amount to misconduct, and banned him from practising for three months.
After serving the ban Nakum promised to the panel: ‘It will never happen again.’
His lawyer Simon Cridland asked: ‘Do you think you would be tempted at some time in the future to act on the way you did on this occasion?’
He replied: ‘No, I have learned from my previous terrible mistake, and more importantly, I have understood the need for transparency – why it is so important.
‘I would never want to put the profession into disrepute again.’
He told the panel he has received a job offer to work in the emergency department at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berks.
He said he could take up the position if the panel did not extend his suspension.
Panel chairman Roger Fergguson said: ‘You have gained insight into your actions and in particular to the damage that may be caused to the public interest and to the reputation of the medical profession.’
He added: ‘Having considered all the evidence, the panel has found that your fitness to practise is not impaired by reason of your misconduct.’
Nakum, who qualified in 2007 from the university of Dundee, will remain suspended until August 24, when he will be able to return to full duties as a doctor.
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