Doctor denies patient grope claim

Dr Odenefe John Isiavwe faces a string of complaints

A doctor made a number of unwanted advances towards female patients, the General Medical Council has heard.

Dr Odenefe John Isiavwe faces complaints made against him by patients at the Field Lane Surgery in Kessingland, Suffolk.

The GP tried to grab one woman's breast, the GMC panel heard.

Dr Isiavwe denies his behaviour was inappropriate, an abuse of his professional position and liable to bring the profession into disrepute.

The complaints were made against Dr Isiavwe between 2001 and 2004.

He was quite pushy during the course of the conversation Sarah Plaschkes for the GMC

Sarah Plaschkes, for the GMC, told the panel that Dr Isiavwe had met the patient, referred to only as Miss B, in September 2002.

During the course of a consultation, Dr Isiavwe gave the 38-year-old his mobile telephone number and asked her out for a drink, the panel heard.

When Miss B called the arrangement off Dr Isiavwe contacted her to persuade her to change her mind, Miss Plaschkes said.

"He was quite pushy during the course of the conversation. She agreed that he could pop in and see her for five minutes at her home," Miss Plaschkes said.

During the visit, he tried to kiss her but Miss B turned away.

Several incidents

A few days later, Dr Isiavwe contacted Miss B asking to come round to see her, the panel heard.

During the second visit he began to massage her neck.

As the massage progressed, his hands began to move down her body and he grabbed her breast, Miss Plaschkes said.

The panel heard the incident was one of several concerning incidents involving female patients which were brought to the attention of senior partners at the surgery.

He was warned not to give his personal contact details to patients and put under close supervision.

Dr Isiavwe has since moved to the Orthopaedic Department at James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.

The hearing in central London continues.