Neurosurgeon Dr. Chirag Patel was suspended for eight months following findings of professional misconduct involving a vulnerable female patient.
The tribunal found he prescribed opioid painkillers and Diazepam without properly documenting the prescriptions or informing the patient’s GP.
The case has raised concerns around patient safety, doctor-patient boundaries, and prescribing oversight involving addictive medications.
A consultant neurosurgeon formerly based at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff has been suspended after a medical tribunal found he engaged in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient while continuing to prescribe addictive painkillers outside standard clinical procedures.
Dr. Chirag Patel, who worked as a consultant neurosurgeon in Cardiff since 2015, received an eight-month suspension from the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after the panel concluded his conduct demonstrated “a reckless disregard for patient safety.”
According to tribunal findings reported by BBC News and other UK media outlets, Dr. Patel first operated on the patient, referred to as Patient A, in February 2019 to remove a damaged spinal disc. He later performed additional procedures, including spinal cord stimulator surgery in December 2021.
The tribunal heard that a sexual relationship began after surgeries performed in 2019. Dr. Patel later continued prescribing morphine sulphate tablets (MST) and Diazepam until January 2023 without recording the prescriptions in hospital records or informing the patient’s general practitioner.
Reports from the hearing stated that the patient had chronic pain and was considered vulnerable because of her physical health condition, factors the tribunal considered important when evaluating the professional boundary violations. The tribunal considered the patient vulnerable because of her physical health condition and continuing clinical care under Dr. Patel for specialist treatment. 1
Tribunal chair Remi Alabi stated that the patient was considered vulnerable because of her physical health condition. Reports from the hearing also stated that the panel discussed repeated requests for pain medication and concerns about possible dependency.
The panel further concluded that Dr. Patel had placed “his personal interests” above the patient’s proper care.
According to tribunal records reported by BBC News, the relationship had reportedly deteriorated by February 2023, after which Patient A made allegations to police. While police did not pursue criminal action, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was informed and a professional investigation followed.
The tribunal heard that Dr. Patel continued prescribing controlled medications even after the patient missed appointments.
Medical regulators argued that prescriptions were issued without appropriate documentation, clinical monitoring, or communication with the patient’s GP, all of which are considered important safeguards when prescribing addictive medications.
The hearing also revealed that some prescriptions were reportedly issued privately instead of through standard NHS recording pathways, contributing to concerns about inadequate oversight and continuity of care.
The General Medical Council (GMC) argued during proceedings that the misconduct represented repeated breaches of professional standards and an abuse of the doctor’s position.
Dr. Patel admitted the relationship and acknowledged sending explicit images to the patient. During evidence presented to the tribunal, he stated that he regretted his actions and described himself as “deeply remorseful.”
He also claimed the relationship later involved threats and pressure from the patient, though the tribunal maintained that his professional responsibilities remained unchanged regardless of personal circumstances.
Dr. Patel told the tribunal that the relationship later involved threats and alleged blackmail from the patient, which he said formed part of the context surrounding the continued prescribing. However, the panel emphasized that these claims did not excuse the prescribing failures or breaches of professional conduct. 1
A major aspect of the case involved the prescribing of controlled medications, particularly opioid painkillers and Diazepam.
Morphine sulphate tablets are opioid medications commonly used to manage severe pain but can carry risks of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal if not properly monitored. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine muscle relaxant, may also lead to dependency with prolonged use.
Healthcare regulators generally require doctors prescribing such medications to maintain proper documentation, monitor patients regularly, and communicate with primary care providers to reduce risks associated with long-term use.
The tribunal found that these safeguards were not consistently followed in this case.
The GMC argued that the lack of accurate record-keeping created potential risks not only for the patient’s safety but also for other healthcare professionals involved in her care, who may not have been fully aware of the medications being prescribed.
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The suspension has also triggered wider discussion within parts of the UK medical community after tribunal proceedings revealed that Dr. Patel was reportedly the only surgeon in NHS Wales able to perform certain neuropathic pain procedures.
Some healthcare professionals expressed concern that the temporary loss of such a highly specialized surgeon could affect access to advanced pain procedures for patients in Wales, while others argued that maintaining professional standards and patient trust must remain the priority regardless of workforce shortages.
Some doctors publicly questioned whether suspension was an appropriate sanction given the seriousness of the findings, while others pointed to the challenges healthcare systems face when specialist services rely heavily on a limited number of clinicians.
The tribunal ultimately concluded that an eight-month suspension was necessary to maintain public confidence in the medical profession and uphold professional standards.
The panel additionally determined that Dr. Patel’s misconduct was serious enough to impair his fitness to practise, citing both the inappropriate relationship and unsafe prescribing practices.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board later confirmed that Dr. Patel was no longer working for the organization.
Reference:
1. Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. Dr Chirag Patel: Medical Practitioners Tribunal Determination. April 16, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://www.mpts-uk.org/-/media/mpts-rod-files/dr-chirag-patel--16-apr-26.pdf.
(Rh/TP)