In one of the most disturbing medical scandals the United Kingdom has witnessed in years, a Birmingham-based doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of patients — including children as young as 13 — during his time at two major NHS hospitals.
Dr. Nathaniel Spencer, 38, from Quinton, Birmingham, is now facing 45 criminal charges after a lengthy and complex investigation by Staffordshire Police. The allegations span 2017 to 2021, shaking public trust in the healthcare system.
A Shocking List of Charges
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed Friday that Spencer has been charged with:
15 counts of sexual assault
17 counts of assault by penetration
9 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
3 counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
1 count of attempted assault by penetration
Spencer is scheduled to appear before the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on January 20, 2026.
CPS officials said the case moved forward only after a “detailed and extensive” investigation involving interviews with dozens of alleged victims, doctors, and staff members linked to the accusations.
Alleged Crimes at Two NHS Hospitals
The accusations trace back to Spencer’s tenure as a junior doctor between August 2020 and April 2021 at:
Royal Stoke University Hospital
Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust confirmed Spencer’s placement at Russells Hall during that period and said it has been cooperating with police since the shocking allegations surfaced.
Hospital administrators have since established an internal safety committee to review patient-protection protocols.
Dedicated Helpline Launched for Potential Victims
In response to growing public concern, the Dudley Group NHS Trust has set up a special helpline for any patients who fear they may have been affected.
Dr. Paul Hudson, Operational Medical Director, said:
“This news is deeply distressing. We are committed to full transparency and ensuring every affected individual receives the support they need.”
The Trust is offering psychological counselling, trauma support, and assistance for all patients who believe they may have been harmed.
Medical Licence Suspended as Trial Looms
The General Medical Council (GMC) has already suspended Spencer’s licence to practice, barring him from working in any medical facility — public or private — until the court concludes its proceedings.
Legal experts say the charges represent “one of the gravest violations of patient trust in NHS history.”
Experts Call for Accountability: “A Wake-Up Call for the NHS”
Prominent criminal lawyers and healthcare advocates are demanding an overhaul of hospital oversight systems.
A London-based legal expert told The Guardian:
“This case exposes critical failures in supervision and complaint tracking. When 38 patients — including children — come forward, it raises alarming questions about institutional neglect.”
A National Debate on Safety and Trust
Beyond the upcoming trial, the Spencer case has triggered a nationwide debate about:
●patient safety
●reporting mechanisms
●hospital accountability
●vetting of medical professionals
As one healthcare analyst noted:
“Hospitals are places of healing — never harm. This scandal is a stark reminder that trust in medicine must be earned and constantly safeguarded.”
