Anaesthetist accused of molesting patient

An anaesthetist kissed and sexually molested one of his patients at a Co Tipperary hospital, a Medical Council hearing was told yesterday.

Dr Hossam Desoky, who is from Egypt, denies 10 charges of acting inappropriately towards Teri Chamberlain on July 13th, 2010.

Ms Chamberlain told the council hearing yesterday that she was left “absolutely terrified” by her encounter with Dr Desoky.

The incident allegedly took place at the South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel after Ms Chamberlain was admitted for a colonscopy.

She told the hearing that she first encountered Dr Desoky in the lift while he was gowned up. He asked her why she had been admitted and he said he would be her doctor.

Kissed on cheeks

Ms Chamberlain said that after she was admitted to the ward, Dr Desoky came to her bed, kissed her on the cheeks and rubbed her hand.

She thought it was strange, but also believed it may have been his culture.

After her husband and child left, he rang her on her mobile phone and inquired as to whether or not she was alone. He told her he got her mobile number from her chart.

Cure for smoking

Ms Chamberlain recounted that he touched her breasts allegedly in preparation for her operation.

He then told her that he had a cure for her smoking and led her to his residence, which was on another floor of the hospital.

Ms Chamberlain then recalled that Dr Desoky locked the door behind them. He tried to push her down on to a bed, kissed her and she screamed.

He then unlocked the door and left.

Dr Desoky denies charges of kissing Ms Chamberlain, calling her on her mobile phone when it was not necessary or appropriate, bringing her to his residence and sexually assaulting her.

His counsel Jack Hickey pointed out that the issue had been investigated by gardaí who had not pressed charges.

Instead, Mr Hickey alleged that Ms Chamberlain had made her way unexpectedly to Dr Desoky’s room of her own volition.

“Sexual gestures”

Sinéad Buckley, a nurse on the ward that night, said Ms Chamberlain had made “sexual gestures at her” in a statement given after the incident allegedly took place.

She said it was “very unusual” for a doctor to take a patient up to the residence.

The nurse said she remained outside the door of Ms Chamberlain’s room during the night.

The case continues today when Dr Desoky is expected to give evidence.