Dr Haleem Bhatti guilty of sexually assaulting five women
A HELPLINE has been launched for former patients of a London doctor who sexually assaulted five women.
Dr Haleem Bhatti was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court this week of sexually assaulting five women at the Greengate Medical Centre in Newham.
The court heard how the 48-year-old would encourage his female patients to remove their clothing so he could carry out unnecessary examinations of their chests, groin and thighs over a three year period between 2006 and 2009.
Speaking after the verdict Detective Constable Andy Davenport, who led the investigation, said Bhatti had “greatly abused his position” and had left his victims feeling “confused and humiliated.”
Now NHS East London and the City have established a help-line for former patients of Bhatti who may want to talk about their experiences.
Dr Sadru Kheraj a Medical Director for NHS East London and the City said patients had the right to feel safe at GP practices.
“We deeply regret that this happened. Thankfully, these cases are rare and there are a range of safeguards including a chaperone service available in all practices,” Dr Sadru said.
“To support patients of Dr Bhatti NHS East London and the City have set up a confidential helpline for anyone who would like to talk about their experience. We can offer counselling and support in making a complaint, should a patient wish to follow this up.”
Bhatti will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on 9 August 2011.
Former patients who feel that have been treated inappropriately by Haleem Bhatti are urged to is 0345 602 8175. The line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5 pm until Friday 5 August 2011.
