Doctor struck off for 'sexually motivated' misconduct

Dr. Velmurugan Kuppuswamy, a locum consultant cardiologist, has been struck off the medical register following findings of sexual misconduct against two junior female colleagues. The tribunal concluded his actions between August and October 2021 created an "intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment" and were "sexually motivated."

During incidents at Withybush Hospital, Kuppuswamy engaged in unwanted physical touching, including squeezing a colleague's waist and putting his hand on another's thigh near her groin. He also sent flirtatious and "overfamiliar" messages, calling one colleague a "bad girl" and telling them they should use their chests as ping pong paddles.

Kuppuswamy claimed the allegations stemmed from his whistleblowing, but the tribunal did not accept his defense. They noted a power imbalance between him and his junior colleagues, despite his claims of being only a locum. He had previously been struck off the register in January 2012 for dishonesty.

Despite positive feedback on his clinical competence, the tribunal deemed his behavior a serious breach of professional boundaries. Kuppuswamy can apply for restoration to the register in five years. The health board stated its commitment to a safe and supportive environment for staff and patients.