GP Struck Off for Slapping Patient, Shouting 'Woo Hoo'

A General Practitioner who operated a beauty clinic has been removed from the medical register due to sexual misconduct involving a patient. Dr. Nur Hotaki was found to have taken advantage of a patient with significant mental health issues, engaging in a relationship that included inappropriate physical contact and comments.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) determined that Dr. Hotaki's actions were 'deplorable' and fell seriously below the standards expected of a medical professional. The tribunal noted that Dr. Hotaki knew the patient, identified as Patient A, was vulnerable and exploited this vulnerability.

Patient A began attending Dr. Hotaki's clinic in 2021. The tribunal heard that Dr. Hotaki offered Patient A what he termed the 'VIP treatment,' which she understood to mean a sexual encounter. He also exchanged explicit messages with her, at one point advising her to delete them to conceal his conduct.

During appointments in 2023, Patient A alleged that Dr. Hotaki kissed her passionately and gave her a peck on the lips while she was on a treatment couch. On another occasion, he slapped her bottom firmly, exclaiming "woo hoo." He also made comments about her attire, calling her a "woman of class," and shared an inappropriate personal anecdote about having an erection.

Dr. Hotaki was aware that Patient A was married with a family and was taking medication for significant mental health difficulties. The tribunal concluded that it would have been apparent to him that Patient A's behavior was linked to her vulnerable state, and he consequently took advantage of her.

In November 2023, the MPTS issued a letter restricting Dr. Hotaki from treating female patients unattended pending hearings. However, he continued to do so, leading to further reports to the MPTS.

In its ruling, the MPTS stated that Dr. Hotaki failed to prioritize Patient A's care, instead seeking a sexual relationship. The tribunal found his conduct morally culpable and believed that fellow practitioners would view his misconduct as deplorable. Citing the risk to patient safety and the potential disrepute to the profession, the MPTS deemed erasure from the medical register the only proportionate outcome.