Why was NHS surgeon Dr. Vivek Vatikutti suspended?

Dr. Vatikutti was suspended for nine months after attending work intoxicated, having consumed vodka before his shift.

Did the doctors' strikes cause the surgeon's misconduct?

Dr. Vatikutti claimed stress from junior doctors' strikes contributed to his decision to drink before work.

What was the outcome of the tribunal hearing for Dr. Vatikutti?

The tribunal found his actions constituted serious misconduct and suspended him for nine months, citing patient safety risks.

Home / Crime and Justice / Surgeon Suspended for Drunkenness After Doctors' Strike

Surgeon Suspended for Drunkenness After Doctors' Strike

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Surgeon suspended for consuming vodka before a hospital shift.
He blamed stress from doctors' strikes for his actions.
A colleague detected alcohol on his breath at work.

Surgeon Suspended for Drunkenness After Doctors' Strike

An NHS surgeon, Dr. Vivek Vatikutti, has received a nine-month suspension for attending work under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on September 22, 2023, after Dr. Vatikutti consumed a substantial amount of vodka the previous evening.

He attributed his actions to stress and exhaustion exacerbated by the workload during junior doctors' strikes. Despite feeling he was not impaired, blood tests revealed a blood alcohol level of 48mg/dl. A colleague reported smelling alcohol on his breath during a handover.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service deemed his behavior a serious misconduct, posing a risk to patients and the profession's reputation. While acknowledging it as a single incident in a lengthy career, the tribunal concluded suspension was appropriate.

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