David Sim: Doctor suspended for sterilising woman without permission

Image caption, David Sim previously admitted that the sterilisation was not necessary to save the woman's life or prevent harm to her health
  • Author, Michael Fitzpatrick
  • Role, 大象传媒 News NI

A consultant gynaecologist who admitted sterilising a woman without her permission has been suspended from practising for 12 months.

The woman - known as Patient A - was sterilised by Dr David Sim following an emergency caesarean section.

Dr Sim previously admitted that the sterilisation was not necessary to save the woman's life or prevent harm to her health.

The procedure took place at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry in September 2021.

On 1 December, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) found his fitness to practice was impaired.

The tribunal previously heard Dr Sim and the patient had discussed sterilisation twice over a period of years, but the patient had never consented or expressed any wish to undergo sterilisation.

When she required the emergency caesarean section, Dr Sim delivered the baby and blocked the patient's fallopian tubes to permanently impair their normal function.

Dr Sim previously admitted to the tribunal that this was in violation of the woman's reproductive rights.

'Risk of repetition'

The tribunal also previously heard that Patient A underwent further surgery to reverse the sterilisation procedure.

The tribunal previously heard Dr Sim has now retired and relinquished his licence to practice earlier this year.

A lawyer acting for the General Medical Council (GMC) said that, having looked at the tribunal findings, it would be appropriate for the 12-month period of suspension to have immediate effect.

He told the tribunal that although Dr Sim's misconduct had been "partly remediated, there was still a residual risk of repetition, albeit small".

He added there had been "serious departures from good medical practice and a negative effect on Patient A".

A representative for Dr Sim argued the immediate suspension was not necessary as the consultant gynaecologist has already retired with no intention to return to practice.

The tribunal imposed a 12-month suspension on Dr Sim's registration but decided against imposing it immediately - instead it will come into effect 28 days from the date written notification of its decision is served, unless he lodges an appeal.

It said it was not satisfied an immediate suspension was necessary to protect the public or in the public interest.

A tribunal review hearing will be held before the sanction on Dr Sim's registration expires.