UK doctor, suspended for asking Muslim patient to remove veil, is struck off the medical register

The decision follows a series of tribunal hearings examining his conduct while working as a locum doctor in urgent care centres.

One of the key incidents occurred in May 2018 at Royal Stoke University Hospital, where Wolverson asked a patient to remove her niqab multiple times during a consultation.

The patient initially declined, citing religious reasons, but later complied after repeated requests.

The doctor stated that the request was made to assist communication, claiming difficulty in understanding her speech.

However, the tribunal found that the patient spoke fluent English and determined that the explanation provided was not accurate.

The patient later reported feeling discriminated against following the encounter.

The tribunal also examined other aspects of Wolverson’s conduct, including recorded comments regarding the English-speaking abilities of several patients and their relatives.

These remarks were deemed inappropriate during the proceedings.

It was further noted that the doctor did not engage with the patient’s husband during the consultation, citing concerns over his behaviour.

Breach of suspension conditions

Wolverson was suspended in 2022 for nine months after being found guilty of misconduct.

However, it later emerged that he continued to undertake locum work during the suspension period, contrary to regulatory instructions.

His failure to attend subsequent hearings and comply with tribunal requirements led to further scrutiny of his actions.

Tribunal findings and final decision

During a later review, Wolverson stated that he had reflected on his conduct and expressed regret.

The tribunal initially imposed conditions on his practice rather than extending the suspension, allowing him to return to work under supervision.

Subsequent proceedings found that he had disengaged from the regulatory process and failed to meet required standards.

The tribunal concluded that his actions posed an ongoing risk to public safety.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service ruled that removal from the medical register was necessary, stating that lesser sanctions would not adequately address the seriousness of the misconduct.

The decision to strike off Wolverson brings the case to a close, following multiple hearings and findings related to professional conduct and regulatory compliance.