A doctor who worked as a locum in Swindon has been struck off after a professional tribunal found he behaved in a sexually motivated way towards a female colleague and failed to provide adequate clinical care. The case, heard by a medical panel, sets out a series of incidents and failings that have prompted concern about professional conduct.
Tribunal findings and incidents
The doctor, identified in the record as Dr Desmond Francis McCann, qualified from the University of Glasgow in 1978 and practised in a number of locations as a locum GP, including surgeries run by the Willow Group, in Gosport, Swindon and Somerset.
The panel was told that in an NHS appraisal form submitted on 16 March 2020, Dr McCann ticked the box stating "I have nothing to declare" in relation to suspensions, restrictions or investigations. That statement was incorrect: he had been under investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) since September 2019, and the tribunal found he had not returned a Working Details Form sent by the GMC on four occasions.
The tribunal examined separate incidents involving a female colleague while Dr McCann was working as a locum at Taw Hill Medical Practice, which sits under Westrop Medical Practice. On 15 April 2020, he approached the woman and, while apparently looking at her chest, asked: "why do you cover yourself, it would be nice to see what's underneath". The woman told the panel she was left shocked and advised him that such remarks were inappropriate.
On or around 27 May 2020, the tribunal heard the same colleague felt something strike her backside while she was speaking to someone else with her back turned. She saw Dr McCann directly behind her; the panel was told it appeared he had struck her with his knee. He then reportedly said, "you've been hit by a doctor", and laughed.
"The Tribunal determined that the behaviour alleged was unacceptable in a workplace setting and particularly inappropriate for a doctor who was in a position of authority."
The woman raised a formal complaint by email on 3 July 2020. The panel concluded the conduct was sexually motivated and carried out without the victim's consent.
Concerns over clinical care and professional disclosure
Alongside the misconduct findings, the tribunal recorded concerns about Dr McCann's clinical care during a period leading up to the GMC investigation. His failure to disclose an ongoing investigation on an appraisal form and his repeated non‑response to GMC requests for information were noted as serious professional failings by the panel.
Taking the totality of evidence into account, the tribunal decided removal from the medical register was the appropriate sanction.
Local impact and wider context
The decision will be of particular interest to patients and staff in practices where Dr McCann worked on a locum basis. Locum doctors provide vital flexibility in primary care, but the case highlights the importance of robust checks and prompt information-sharing between professionals and regulatory bodies to protect patients and colleagues.
- Doctor: Dr Desmond Francis McCann
- Qualification: University of Glasgow, 1978
- Employment: Locum GP at practices including those within the Willow Group, Taw Hill Medical Practice (under Westrop Medical Practice), and work in Swindon and Somerset
- Key dates: GMC investigation from September 2019; appraisal form dated 16 March 2020; incidents on 15 April 2020 and around 27 May 2020; complaint made 3 July 2020
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2019 | GMC investigation opened |
| 16 March 2020 | Appraisal submitted stating "nothing to declare" |
| 15 April 2020 | Inappropriate comment made to female colleague |
| Around 27 May 2020 | Alleged physical contact to colleague's backside |
| 3 July 2020 | Formal complaint submitted |
Primary care teams and patients rely on a foundation of trust. While locum arrangements help keep surgeries open and accessible, regulators and local practices say safeguarding that trust requires clear, timely communication between doctors, employers and the GMC. The tribunal's ruling serves as a reminder of the standards expected of those in positions of authority within the NHS.
Patients with concerns about care at their practice are encouraged to raise them with their surgery in the first instance or to contact the GMC where appropriate.
