Gas inhaling doctor 'was a risk'

The actions of a doctor who inhaled gas and air while on duty at a children's ward potentially put patients' safety at risk, a medical panel found.

The General Medical Council panel ruled the fitness to practise of Dr Jonathan Chahal, 33, was impaired because of his misconduct at Ormskirk Hospital.

The senior house officer used medical anaesthetic Entonox from a gas canister on four occasions in summer 2007.

The panel will decide what action to take on Tuesday.

The hearing was told Dr Chahal also persuaded seven nurses to inhale Entonox, commonly used in childbirth, at the same time as him.

"The panel is of the view that there was a potential danger to patients under your care, that such behaviour cannot be tolerated"

One of the occasions was described as an "Entonox party" which took place over a two-hour period.

Panel chairman Ralph Bergmann said public interest had to be taken into account in reaching its decision.

He said: "The panel is of the view that there was a potential danger to patients under your care, that such behaviour cannot be tolerated and that it must send a message to the profession and to the public that your actions were wholly unacceptable."

Dr Chahal, 33, had told the panel, sitting in Manchester, that he was fortunate he did not harm any of his patients and that he was "incredibly foolish".

Giggling

The panel also noted that his current employer, his GP, treating psychiatrist and occupational health physician all believed the probability of repetition was low.

Dr Chahal was heard giggling in the ward's resuscitation room and told his colleagues the drug was "fun" and "made you feel floaty".

He was employed by Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust between August 2006 and July 2007 before he transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, and later returned as a locum doctor.

He was sacked from Alder Hey after the allegations came to light.

Dr Chahal admitted his conduct was irresponsible and inappropriate but denied his fitness to practise was impaired because of his misconduct and adverse physical or mental health.

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