A doctor at Royal Stoke University Hospital has been struck off after a string of misconduct charges, including a row over asking a Muslim woman to remove her niqab during a consultation.
‘Take Off Your Niqab!’
Dr Keith Wolverson reportedly asked the woman, known only as Mrs Q, three times to remove her face covering so he could hear her properly. He claimed her “poor English” and hidden mouth movements made it hard to understand her as she described her daughter’s symptoms. Mrs Q refused on religious grounds but eventually complied. She later filed a complaint saying she felt “victimised and racially discriminated against.”
More Than Just One Incident
- Wolverson was already under investigation for 17 other misconduct charges, including criticising patients’ English in medical notes.
- After returning from suspension, he worked 17 locum shifts — despite still being suspended in 2022.
- This blatant rule-breaking led to a second suspension and ultimately to being struck off completely.
Panel Slams Doctor’s ‘Flagrant Disregard’
The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service ruled that Wolverson’s behaviour showed “flagrant disregard” for medical standards and patient dignity. They confirmed no medical reason justified the niqab removal, and Mrs Q spoke good English. Doctors must first try all other communication methods and only ask for a face covering to be removed when necessary, such as examining facial injuries.
“The request was ‘inconsiderate’ and failed to respect the patient’s dignity and privacy,” the panel said.
Not About ‘Being Woke’
Some online commentators have claimed Wolverson was struck off for “not being woke enough.” But the facts tell a different story. He repeatedly broke rules, failed to learn from past mistakes, and secretly worked while suspended — a massive no-no in the NHS. Ultimately, the former GP’s misconduct and blatant defiance cost him his medical career.
