An NHS England director is being investigated by police on suspicion of voyeurism, it has been confirmed today.
HSJ reported yesterday that Jonathan Fielden, the deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning, was away from his NHS England role and had been restricted from contact with patients by the General Medical Council.
Bedfordshire Police has confirmed today that a 53 year old man, from Biddenham, has been arrested on suspicion of voyeurism. A police spokeswoman added that he has been bailed until 23 March while enquiries continue.
An NHS England spokesperson said: “Dr Fielden is currently suspended from his post as director of specialised commissioning.”
It has also emerged that Dr Fielden has resigned as a trustee of the Nuffield Trust. He joined in October 2014, while working as medical director of University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust.
Companies House records show he resigned from that position on 28 December 2016.
Dr Fielden joined NHS England at the beginning of last year. He has previously served as chair of the British Medical Association consultants committee. His clinical background is as an anaesthetist.
John Stewart is currently the acting director of specialised commissioning at NHS England. His substantive role is director of specialised commissioning policy.
It is thought Dr Fielden has been off work since January.
A notice on Dr Fielden’s GMC registration lists several conditions on his practice, with effect from 9 January 2017.
One requirement states: “He must only work in roles which do not involve patient contact and which are within the National Health Service.”
Another says: “He must keep the GMC informed of the progress of the police investigation, specifically any revised bail dates and conditions and any criminal charges within 48 hours of any such events.”
Dr Fielden has been approached for comment.
This story was updated at 5.40pm on 22 February after HSJ received a statement from NHS England.