‘It’s After 6’: UK Doctor Suspended After Forceps Birth
A senior gynaecologist of Indian origin, Dr. Premila Thampi, has been suspended from medical practice for three weeks following a serious incident involving the use of forceps during childbirth. The decision was made by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) in Manchester, after an investigation into her conduct during a delivery at an NHS maternity unit in 2016.
Allegations Against Dr. Thampi
The patient, a first-time mother, reported that she had requested a caesarean section (C-section) during labour, stating she was too exhausted to push. However, according to her account, Dr. Thampi declined her request and insisted on proceeding with a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery.
The mother claimed that Dr. Thampi appeared angry and impatient at the time, allegedly saying:
“I am a consultant, and it is past six o’clock.. I could have gone home and left this to one of my Registrars.”
The woman said she felt pressured and fearful, and although she was reluctant, she ultimately agreed to the forceps delivery. She later stated that the procedure caused physical injuries to her baby’s face and head.
Patient's Experience
According to the mother, the atmosphere during the birth was tense and distressing. She described Dr. Thampi as being on a “warpath” and said the forceful communication left her feeling intimidated. The emotional and physical impact of the birth experience continued long after the delivery.
Dr. Thampi's Response
Dr. Thampi, who was 62 years old at the time of the tribunal, maintained that she had explained the available delivery options, including the use of forceps, and did not believe the patient had explicitly refused the procedure.
She also denied remarking on leaving work after 6 PM, stating that her contract required her to remain on duty until 7 PM. Dr. Thampi expressed sincere regret for the emotional trauma experienced by the patient but stood by her claim that the decision was medically justified at the time.
Tribunal Findings
After reviewing evidence from both parties, the tribunal found Dr. Thampi guilty of serious professional misconduct. They concluded that her communication with the patient was inappropriate and failed to meet professional standards, particularly during such a vulnerable and critical moment in patient care.
As a result, the tribunal suspended her medical license for three weeks, highlighting the need for patient-centred communication and informed consent in obstetric care.
Conclusion
- Patient consent is critical: Any procedure, especially invasive interventions during childbirth, must be discussed and agreed upon by the patient.
- Communication matters: The way medical professionals speak to patients, particularly during emergencies, can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact.
- Professional conduct must be maintained at all times, regardless of workload or time of day.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
