Psychiatrist had sexual relationship with patient, hearing told (From Your Local Guardian)

Theodore Soutzos faces misconduct charges over relationship with patient at the Priory, Roehampton

7:20am Monday 23rd August 2010 in Wandsworth By Ian Mason

A psychiatrist accused of having an “improper emotional and sexual relationship” with his bulimic and anorexic patient pleaded with her to help save his career, a hearing was told.

Theodore Soutzos, 45, admitted to the General Medical Council (GMC) that he had a relationship with a patient nearly 20 years younger than him while treating her at the Priory, in Roehampton, in 2006.

Soutzos claims the affair happened after he had discharged the then 23-year-old, referred to as Miss C for legal reasons, from his care - but on Wednesday she told a conduct hearing she was “never formally discharged”.

Soutzos faces 32 charges of misconduct, including relationships with two other women while he was based at Guy's Hospital, in south London, and the Bowden House Clinic in Harrow. He denies the bulk of the charges.

Miss C told the hearing she had about three or four “quite flirty” consultations after meeting Soutzos in August before he suggested they go swimming together.

Speaking via videolink, she said: “I think I was probably quite flattered, I was getting on very well with him and we enjoyed the same hobbies.

“I thought maybe it was one of his processes of helping me get better.”

They eventually went swimming at Soutzos’ gym in October and the following week kissed during a dinner date.

Soutzos’ counsel, Stephen Climie, argued Miss C had been formally discharged before the two embarked on the relationship, which involved trips to the ballet, a Scissor Sisters concert and holidays abroad.

She ended the relationship in Easter 2007 after a trip to Athens but their paths crossed again when Miss C was readmitted to the Priory later that year.

During her stay, details of their relationship were reported to staff and an investigation was launched.

Sarah Plashkes, representing the GMC, read a transcript detailing a call between Soutzos and Miss C.

In it he allegedly said: “Is there anyway you can help me otherwise I’m finished, can you help me?

“Can you tell them I was no longer your psychiatrist?”

Mr Climie said Soutzos admitted falling foul of professional guidance by entering into a relationship in the first place but stressed the involvement was serious.

He said: “This was a relationship in which at one stage the doctor raised the possibility of getting married.”

The hearing continues.