Massage-medic suspended

Date published: 13 May 2014


AN anaesthetist who massaged almond oil into a patient’s neck at his home while wearing only his pyjamas has been suspended for two months.

Retired Royal Oldham Hospital doctor Ashwinkumar Vaidya invited the woman to his house, straddled her back and gave her a neck massage using almond oil, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard.

The woman, known only as Patient A, then stood on Dr Vaidya’s back to massage him, before giving the married doctor a hug and kiss to show her gratitude.

Dr Vaidya, who didn’t attend the hearing, admitted his actions were inappropriate but claimed he was only interested in friendly social contact. The three-man panel, chaired by Prof Stephen Miller, found the doctor’s behaviour was more likely to be sexually motivated.

The General Medical Council had called for Vaidya to be struck off, but the panel said Dr Vaidya's co-operation with the regulatory process and own early admission satisfied them that a period of suspension is sufficient to meet the public interest.

Dr Vaidya was suspended for two months from 9 May 2014.