Doctor on trial for working privately

The first charge alleges that he did so in September 2012 by submitting medical certificates saying he was unfit to work, whereas he was undertaking private paid work while also receiving sick pay from the trust.

The psychiatrist is also said to have defrauded the NHS trust in a similar way between May and November 2013, again by carrying out private paid work while receiving sick pay.

And the third charge alleges he abused his position as a doctor with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust on various dates between January 2012 and April the following year.

It is said he did so by undertaking private consultations using the trust’s facilities during working hours, at a time when he was contracted and paid to be working for the trust.

The court heard it was alleged by the prosecution that Dr Suleman, of Beaminster Road, Solihull, defrauded the NHS Trust out of a total of around £45,000.

His barrister Richard Davenport said: “He saw three patients on three days while off sick, and used the consultation rooms on 16 occasions. So it will be nowhere near the 45,000 alleged.”

The case was adjourned for trial, which will not take place until April next year, and Recorder Sam Mainds said Dr Suleman should continue to be on unconditional bail.