Surgeon who blamed doctors' strikes for heavy drinking suspended after turning up to shift drunk

Credit: Getty/PrathanChorruangsak

By James Manning, PA

A surgical registrar who blamed stress from covering resident doctors' strikes for his heavy drinking has been suspended for nine months after attending work at an NHS hospital whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Dr Vivek Vatikutti told a medical tribunal he consumed approximately two-thirds of a 750ml bottle of vodka the night before his shift because he was "stressed" and "exhausted" due to undertaking additional clinical duties while his colleagues were on strike.