By Francesca Herring - Ely Standard - 29.02.2024 - [UK] - [Francis Bailey]
Dr Francis Bailey abused his position as a medical professional by striking up a sexual relationship with a vulnerable patient.
Bailey, 63, pursued the young woman after she had been discharged as an inpatient from a psychiatric unit. The day after she left the unit, Bailey and one of his colleagues visited her home to carry out a welfare check.
In December 2021, the victim, who had a history of poor mental health, went to a consultation with Bailey at Park Medical Centre. There, he prescribed her medication including anti-depressants, gave her his personal number, and said if she needed him to help her through the crisis, to call or message him.
A few days later, the victim messaged the number as she felt suicidal.
Bailey picked her up and took her for a drive as he advised her on what to do.
After dropping her off, Bailey gave her a hug. The following day, they met again and embarked on a five-month sexual relationship while he continued to prescribe her medication.
In May 2022, Bailey, who had been working as a doctor for 20 years, was admitted to hospital and asked a friend to bring him some belongings, including an old phone.
The friend saw messages between Bailey and the victim and confronted him about it.
Bailey admitted to having a relationship with the patient but tried to say that she had been blackmailing him.
The following month, the police were alerted to what had been happening, and Bailey was arrested at his home in June 2022.
Yesterday, (28 February) at Peterborough Crown Court, Bailey, of Lyvelly Gardens, Peterborough, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison after previously pleading guilty to three counts of a care worker engaging in sexual activity with a mentally disordered female.
He was also given a 10-year restraining order.
DC Helen Williams, who investigated, said: “Francis Bailey was a trusted doctor who took advantage of a very young, vulnerable woman. He abused his position of power for his own sexual gratification.
“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Dignity4Patients, whose helpline is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm.
Dignity4Patients Commentary: The reality is many cases of sexual abuse are perpetrated by those in a position of power over their victims. The stark power imbalances that exist within healthcare settings, enables predators to exploit their positions to manipulate, coerce, and violate those who depend on them for treatment, medicine and healthcare.