A trust has admitted it was aware of misconduct allegations against a doctor when it hired him – a development described as “deeply troubling” by lawyers arguing that the consultant has since harmed other patients.
Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust hired Ali Shokouh-Amiri in 2022.
Dr Shokouh-Amiri, who continues to be employed as a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at MSE, was given a formal warning by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service last year over actions in 2017-18 in a past role. These included removing ovaries from two patients without consent.
The General Medical Council is currently seeking further action against the doctor, after the MPTS decided against striking him off or suspending him.
Following a seven-month Freedom of Information request battle, MSE has confirmed to HSJ that it was aware of misconduct allegations against Dr Shokouh-Amiri at the time of his appointment in 2022.
Francesca Paul, a partner and medical negligence solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors, said it was “deeply troubling” to discover MSEFT was aware of allegations at the time of employment.
She said: “For those affected, including a number of patients we are representing, the news that Dr Shokouh-Amiri could have been prevented from harming them will be unimaginably distressing.
“It raises serious and legitimate questions about the trust’s recruitment and governance processes, particularly why it was considered appropriate to employ a clinician while such allegations were pending.
“These are not minor failings; they reflect a fundamental disregard for patient dignity and safety.”
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Source: HSJ, 3 March 2026
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