Bromley GP struck off for misconduct with patients

Dr William Smerdon has been struck off the medical register after a tribunal determined he engaged in sexually motivated misconduct with two vulnerable patients. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) issued the barring order on August 21. The MPTS has not publicly disclosed Dr Smerdon's specific practice location within Bromley, though he previously worked in King's Lynn.

Patient Relationship and Conduct

The tribunal found that between late 2012 and early 2013, Dr Smerdon entered into a sexual relationship with a patient he met while she was receiving treatment at an eating disorders clinic. During his time at the hospital, he made sexually suggestive comments, sought to exchange contact details, kissed the patient, and touched her through her clothing. He later sent a text message stating, “Kissing u was amazing” and “I think u are absolutely gorgeous,” adding that he risked serious trouble and erasure from the register. The tribunal concluded these actions were sexually motivated and aimed at pursuing a relationship.

The second case concerned consultations at a GP practice in November 2019. The patient involved was identified as vulnerable due to mental health issues, a fact the tribunal concluded Dr Smerdon was aware of. On November 6, he inquired about her living situation and relationship status, remarking it was "shocking" she was single given her appearance. He assured her he would not act inappropriately and suggested she could book further appointments even if not unwell. The tribunal also found he embraced and hugged her, kissed her on the cheek and mouth with his tongue, touched her knee, and expressed a desire to take her out socially, acknowledging he could not due to her patient status. The tribunal determined the kissing and touching occurred without consent.

Denials and Testimonials

Dr Smerdon, who qualified from the University of East Anglia in 2008 and became a GP in 2014, contested many of the allegations, suggesting some of his behaviour was misconstrued. The tribunal considered eight testimonials submitted on Dr Smerdon's behalf, which characterised him as professional, compassionate, and well-regarded by his patients. However, the panel determined these testimonials did not mitigate the severity of the established findings.

The tribunal highlighted that the incidents, occurring seven years apart, demonstrated a pattern of sexually motivated conduct towards vulnerable female patients. It found Dr Smerdon had abused his position of trust, disregarded professional standards, and understood his actions were improper. Despite undertaking training and reflection, the tribunal assessed his insight as limited and identified a persistent risk of repetition. Consequently, the tribunal concluded his conduct was incompatible with continued registration and ordered his removal from the medical register.