GMC faces calls for inquiry over Fayed abuse doctor referrals

Survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed's abuse have accused the General Medical Council (GMC) of allowing his crimes to continue by refusing to investigate allegations that doctors were complicit. The medical regulator is now facing calls for a public inquiry into its handling of complaints concerning doctors accused of sharing sensitive patient information with the former Harrods owner.

Initial complaint dismissed

Pelham Spong complained to the GMC in 2017 about Dr Wendy Snell, who allegedly subjected her to intrusive sexual health examinations in 2008 as part of a job interview process. Spong alleges that Fayed forcibly kissed her the same day and questioned her about sexually transmitted disease results that Snell had assured her would be kept confidential. The GMC informed Spong that it was not in the 'greater public interest' to investigate Dr Snell, who died in 2022. The regulator also stated it had no powers to investigate whether a gynaecological examination should have formed part of a recruitment process.

Spong, who was 23 at the time of the alleged abuse, told The Guardian that the GMC's inaction for nearly a decade allowed her abusers to escape. She reported her ordeal to the Metropolitan police in October 2017, who obtained a copy of her GMC complaint but took no further action. Spong stated that the failure of both the Met and the GMC to act in 2017 meant more women were harmed.

Other allegations and current investigations

Another victim, identified as Joan, alleges she was raped in the 1990s by Fayed's brother, Salah Fayed, after a sexual health examination by Dr Ann Coxon. Joan claims she heard Coxon discuss her sexual health test results with Salah Fayed over the phone. Joan stated that if the GMC had acted on initial complaints in 2017, Fayed could have been stopped and held accountable.

A third victim, Judith, claims she was groped by Mohamed Al Fayed after a sexual health examination by Dr Snell as part of a recruitment process after Fayed sold Harrods in 2010. Judith expressed trauma from the examination and stated it has impacted her ability to undergo smear tests.

The GMC has imposed restrictions on Dr Coxon's ability to practise, and on another doctor, pending full investigations. A GMC spokesperson confirmed that the regulator is investigating doctors employed by Al Fayed and is in contact with relevant authorities, including the Metropolitan police. The spokesperson added that appropriate action would be taken if fitness to practise concerns were identified.

Calls for public inquiry

Emma Jones, a solicitor representing several of Fayed's victims, described the GMC's current actions as 'far too little, far too late'. She argued that the GMC should have reported the serious allegations of doctors conducting sexual health examinations and reporting results to Fayed without patient permission to the police earlier. Jones believes the GMC's failings are a crucial area that requires investigation through a public inquiry.

Victims and their legal representatives are advocating for a public inquiry to examine Al Fayed's crimes, including the alleged failures by the Metropolitan police and the GMC. They are seeking clear legislation to ensure private doctors are monitored, citing a current lack of oversight.