Chitlapalli Veda SATHYANATH

On 13 September 2022, Dr Sathyanath carried out an intimate examination of Patient A during which he moved his right hand to the left side of Patient A’s groin and then to the right side; in so doing he brushed against Patient A’s pubic bone region. He also failed to offer Patient A a chaperone for the intimate examination, and obtain her consent when carrying out the intimate examination in that he did not explain why one was needed, inform Patient A that the intimate examination could be terminated at any time if she wanted, and confirm with her that she was happy to proceed with the intimate examination. This conduct does not meet with the standards required of a doctor. It risks bringing the profession into disrepute and it must not be repeated. The required standards are set out in paragraphs 1, 11, 12, 17, 32 and 65 of Good medical practice. ‘Professionalism in action 1. Patients need good doctors. Good doctors make the care of their patients their first concern: they are competent, keep their knowledge and skills up to date, establish and maintain good relationships with patients and colleagues, are honest and trustworthy, and act with integrity and within the law. Develop and maintain your professional performance 11. You must be familiar with guidelines and developments that affect your work. 12. You must keep up to date with, and follow, the law, our guidance and other regulations relevant to your work. Apply knowledge and experience to practice 17. You must be satisfied that you have consent or other valid authority before you carry out any examination or investigation, provide treatment or involve patients or volunteers in teaching or research.

Communicate effectively 32. You must give patients the information they want or need to know in a way they can understand. You should make sure that arrangements are made, wherever possible, to meet patients’ language and communication needs. Act with honesty and integrity 65. You must make sure that your conduct justifies your patients’ trust in you and the public’s trust in the profession.’ Whilst this failing in itself is not so serious as to require any restriction on his registration, it is necessary in response to issue this formal warning. This warning will be published on the medical register in line with the GMC’s publication and disclosure policy, which can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/disclosurepolicy .”