London: An Indian-origin orthopaedic is facing a medical tribunal over allegations that he harassed and misbehaved with three female colleagues.
Dr Kalyana Saripalli would appear before the UK General Medical Council’s (GMC) Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester this week.
The alleged harassment dates back to September 2011 whilst he was working at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital Trust in London and then when he moved to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Opening the case for the GMC, Tom Gilbart told the tribunal: “Colleague A began working as a nurse in August 2011 she was employed by a company that provides nurses and she complained about advances being made by the doctor.”
Saripalli is accused of sending the woman, known only as Colleague A, text messages and harassing her despite requests to stop.
The 39-year-old doctor admits to sending messages but denies there was sexual motivation behind them.
In one of the messages he reportedly likened himself to Matt Damons spy character in the Jason Bourne franchise of films: “I’m Jason Bourne in reality, I will find you, as I said before, you are my destiny.”
Saripalli then started sending text messages to another nurse, referred to as Colleague C, who was on placement at Guy’s and St Thomas’.
She text him making it clear she only wanted him to speak to her about work, during work hours.
Besides A and C, the doctor is also accused of harassing a Colleague D with similar text messages.
“Colleague D would have nightmares and wake up sweating.
His behaviour was harassing and that matter has been admitted. An investigation was conducted by Buckinghamshire Health Trust, he was interviewed and notes were taken,” the tribunal was told.
The hearing is expected to last a few weeks.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:)
