Consultant Psychiatrist let down by NHS employers and medical defence organisation A consultant psychiatrist who was stalked for four years and falsely accused of rape has criticised the Medical Defence Union (MDU) for not supporting him through his ordeal. Dr Jan Falkowski, who works at The Royal London Hospital, was suspended for a year and disallowed from contacting his colleagues after stalker Maria Marchese falsely accused him of raping her in his office.* 'The damage that this false accusation has inflicted on my life and those close to me is immeasurable,' he added. Dr Falkowski is also calling on the NHS to review its policy on suspension to ensure this does not create more stress for the individual concerned. He was ordered not to contact any colleagues for a year. 'To be told you can't have contact could be very stressful to people who do not have many friends outside of work,' he said. Extract from feature by Helen Gilbert [Hospital Doctor p.6 31 August 2006] * Dr Falkowski was cleared of the charge in 2005. The stalker, who had persecuted him for four years, has finally been convicted and is awaiting sentence; she has been warned to expect a custodial sentence. |