A medical negligence law firm has announced it is representing patients concerned about the actions of Consultant Gynaecologist Dr Ali Shokouh-Amiri, who is currently practising at Southend Hospital.
Dr Shokouh-Amiri was recently the subject of a medical tribunal after 100 allegations were made about his conduct during his previous role at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey. The allegations, which involved six female patients, ranged from inappropriate comments to unconsented surgical removal of ovaries.
Allegations investigated by the tribunal included:
- Inappropriate Comments – Telling a patient she was “very beautiful”, making remarks that a patient “looked horny”, suggesting a patient join him at the gym, and repeated comments about masturbation.
- Improper Examinations – Conducting intimate examinations on multiple occasions without a chaperone present.
- Unconsented Surgeries – Removing patients’ ovaries without their consent or clear clinical justification.
- Inappropriate Behaviour – Touching, hugging, and kissing some patients during consultations.
The tribunal found that Dr Shokouh-Amiri had acted inappropriately on 24 occasions. While he admitted some allegations and completed a professional boundaries course, he denied others. The panel ruled that there was no evidence of sexual motivation but stressed that his behaviour was serious and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the medical profession.
Despite these findings, the three-member tribunal panel, led by Chair Stephen Gowland, ruled that Dr Shokouh-Amiri was ‘fit to practise’ and issued him with a formal warning.
Patients at Southend Hospital come forward with concerns
Dr Shokouh-Amiri has worked at Southend Hospital since November 2022. Following the tribunal’s findings, patients at Southend Hospital have reportedly come forward with fresh concerns about his conduct.
Francesca Paul, Partner and Medical Negligence Solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors, confirmed that the firm’s Group Actions team is investigating these claims.
She stated: “Following these findings, many patients have come to us with further concerns related to his care during his time at Southend Hospital—part of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust—where he has practised since November 2022. Our Group Actions team is now investigating claims related to his time at Southend Hospital, and we are encouraging any patients who have concerns about their treatment to come forward.”
Continued reactions to tribunal’s decision
Dr Shokouh-Amiri remains in his position at Southend Hospital, and no concerns were raised about his current work during the tribunal. However, the panel did note that he had not demonstrated full remediation or insight into his past behaviour, which they said presented a potential risk of recurrence.
The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has publicly defended its decision to retain him, stating that it has “full confidence in his ability to provide safe, high-quality care to patients.”
Local MPs have expressed unease over the outcome. Southend MP David Burton-Sampson voiced ongoing concerns about the situation, stating: “I have been working closely with various stakeholders including my colleague Bayo Alaba MP, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, our Integrated Care Board and the Department for Health and Social Care to get to the bottom of this situation.”
He added: “I am still not satisfied that it has been resolved appropriately and will continue to work on this matter. Ensuring a safe environment for all patients in our NHS is a top priority for me. I will update further once I have more information.”
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