South Tees NHS doctor suspended for forged certificates

Dr Ahmed Adbelghani was practising as a Registrar in General and Breast Surgery at the South Tees NHS Foundation Trust when he submitted five certificates for training courses he did not attend, between 2021 and 2023.

Concerns were raised by a member of the public who alleged that most of the conference, seminar, and course certificates Dr Abdelghani provided were non-existent or forged.

The doctor admitted forging the documents to a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel.

The panel considered that, while Dr Abdelghani’s misconduct was serious, the risk to the public was medium and determined that a period of suspension would be enough.

The panel took into account that Dr Abdelghani had been open and honest with the Trust once the issues had come to light.

He said: “I would like to begin by expressing my sincere regret, admitting my mistake and taking full responsibility for my actions.

“I admit that submitting certificates that I had not completed in my appraisal was a big mistake and is away from the professional standards.

“I deeply regret this lapse in judgement, and I fully understand that my actions were not keeping with the principles of good Medical Practice.”

Dr Abdelghani told the tribunal that the first instance of misconduct was during an appraisal at the height of the Covid pandemic.

He said he was separated from his family, living in hospital accommodation, and working in a highly stressful and understaffed work environment.

He added that, prior to 2021, he had never been asked to take part in an appraisal and subsequently took ‘bad advice’, from an individual who suggested he provide false certificates.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Tees said: “The tribunal determined there are no concerns relating to patient safety and, as such, Dr Abdelghani remains in our employment and the suspension will come into force following the 28-day appeal period, during which he has the right to submit an appeal.

“The tribunal specifically acknowledged Dr Abdelghani’s high standard of conduct during the hearing, recognising his remorse and reflection.”

Dr Abdelghani qualified as a doctor in 1988 and had worked at the Trust since 2019 after retiring from working as a doctor in the Egyptian army in 2018.