A hospital consultant at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust has been suspended for six months by the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service after being convicted of performing sexual acts with another person in a public place.

On 31 January 2025 at Chester Magistrates' Court, Dr Mark Elias was convicted of outraging public decency on 29 September 2024.

On 28 February 2025, he was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months, and a requirement to complete a Rehabilitation Activity of up to 20 days.

Dr Elias self-referred to the GMC in November 2024.

A trust spokesperson said: ‘We acknowledge the decision of the Medical Practitioners' Tribunal Service in relation to Dr Mark Elias.

‘The matters considered by the tribunal did not relate to Dr Elias's clinical practice and The Christie has had no concerns about patient safety or the care he provided to patients.

‘The quality of care and safety of our patients is our absolute priority.  Dr Elias had been working at the trust under interim orders from the GMC with supervision and support from his line managers. The Christie has carried out due diligence and an internal investigation into Dr Elias's work and conduct under our usual frameworks. and this found no evidence of any issues. 

‘In line with the tribunal's decision, Dr Elias is suspended from the medical register and will not undertake clinical duties during this period.

‘The trust respects the role of the independent regulator in maintaining professional standards and public confidence.'