A “deeply alarming” report has suggested a notable rise in the number of sexual misconduct cases against doctors. NHS Resolution, which oversees litigation claims against the health service, identified 246 cases where local managers sought its advice on sexual misconduct allegations against clinicians in 2024-251. This compares with an average of around 140 a year over the previous nine years, with a high of 168 in 2023-24. The figures cover a wide range of allegations, including “sexual banter,” inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and rape. They include cases against doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, and although NHS Resolution could not provide a breakdown for each profession, its data suggest doctors typically account for more than 95% of cases. It is unclear whether the data reflect a real increase in sexual misconduct or an increase in awareness or reporting. Previous work2 by Unison and the …
Lawrence Dunhill is a journalist at HSJ. He reports on the North West region while specialising in national policy and finances, particularly within the healthcare sector, including NHS trust management, financial management, staffing, and hospital mergers. Lawrence has been featured in HSJ Local, Manchester Mill, and BMJ, and was recognized as specialist journalist of the year at the Press Gazette’s British Journalism Awards in 2020 for his coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
