Omar Al Kadhi, a consultant urological surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, has found himself at the centre of a spat on the social media platform X – formally known as twitter.
The controversy came after Mr Al Kadhi responded to critical remarks made by a fellow NNUH urology worker – who only identified themselves as Ali – surrounding the roles of physician assistants.
Mr Al Kadhi questioned the approach of his colleague in raising their concerns publicly via social media, rather than private channels.
He wrote: “Is this the correct way of raising concerns? We are all highly skilled professionals and I’d like to think we are better than this. Please be kind and respectful and remember the GMC [General Medical Council social media] guidance.”
But he has since faced a wave of criticism from fellow medics.
It comes at a time of heightened concern over approaches to whistleblowers across the NHS following the murder convictions of nurse Lucy Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Ravi Jayaram, one of the doctors whose concerns over Letby were initially ignored, was among those to criticise the Norfolk-based urologist via his own X account.
He wrote: “Team member raises concerns about practice that might affect patient safety. Chief of team won’t acknowledge because issue raised makes them look bad and instead threatens team member quoting GMC at them.
“Scarily familiar NHS playbook instead of listening and acting.”
An NNUH spokesman said: “We’d urge any staff with concerns, who do not feel they can talk to their line manager, to contact their educational supervisor, our Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, trade union representative or human resources team.”
The spokesman also confirmed the hospital was aware of the exchanges and would be responding to concerns raised in them.
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