Warwick psychiatric hospital doctor on trial over allegations of defrauding the NHS

Dr Nawshad Suleman, who was based at St Michael’s psychiatric hospital in Warwick, is also accused of misusing NHS Trust facilities for private consultations.

Suleman (64) of Beaminster Road, Solihull, pleaded not guilty at Warwick Crown Court to three charges of defrauding the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.

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.

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