Introduction to the Case
A doctor has been suspended for a year after pleading guilty to sexual harassment. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPT) found that Dr. Mark Johnson’s actions constituted sexual harassment and impaired his fitness to practice.
Details of the Incidents
Dr. Johnson, who was working at West Suffolk Hospital at the time of the incident, poured beer down a junior colleague’s cleavage before licking it and touching her breasts. He also sent “derogatory and sexually degrading” messages to another junior colleague, including comments about the size of her breasts, sexual positions, and oral sex.
Tribunal Findings
The MPT said Dr. Johnson’s behavior was "sexually motivated and constituted sexual harassment". The tribunal found that his actions were "serious in nature, premeditated and sexually motivated". However, the MPT panel concluded that his behavior was neither persistent nor did it constitute a pattern of predatory behavior, and that he was capable of taking remedial action.
Suspension and Employment Status
Dr. Johnson has been suspended from practicing for 12 months. The General Medical Council (GMC) representative had argued that Dr. Johnson should be banned from his profession indefinitely. Dr. Johnson joined West Suffolk Hospital as a consultant in 2013 but left 10 years later due to disciplinary proceedings. He was most recently employed at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, but the process to formally terminate his employment will begin immediately.
Hospital Response
The medical director of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust said that the trust has referred Dr. Johnson to the GMC following an internal process triggered by reports of possible sexual misconduct. The trust is committed to eliminating sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace by fostering a culture that promotes openness and transparency and never tolerates unwanted, harmful or inappropriate sexual behavior. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust also confirmed that Dr. Johnson is not currently working for the trust.
