A hospital doctor has been found guilty of fraudulently prescribing highly addictive drugs to a close relation for several years. Dr. Marta Kasztelewicz was discovered to have overprescribed opioid painkiller codeine and the powerful anti-anxiety medication diazepam to a person with whom she had a close personal relationship. The misconduct incidents took place at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and Singleton Hospital in Swansea. Despite serving a five-month suspension, a misconduct panel recently ruled that she could resume working as a doctor.
Dr. Kasztelewicz’s actions included issuing more than 60 prescriptions inappropriately between August 2015 and December 2019. The panel noted that some of these prescriptions were excessive in quantity, duration, and frequency. Moreover, she provided treatment to the same patient at Singleton’s admissions unit without the necessary authority in September 2019. Concerns about her conduct were raised in 2020, leading to her acceptance of a police caution for supplying 64 fraudulent private prescriptions, as well as other offences at Neath Port Talbot Hospital.
The panel revealed that Dr. Kasztelewicz had prescribed medication on behalf of Singleton Hospital even after she had left the institution. She failed to disclose the close relation between herself and the patient, misleading staff to prioritize the patient’s treatment over others. By prescribing addictive drugs in potentially harmful quantities, she jeopardized the patient’s health. Following her suspension, Dr. Kasztelewicz expressed remorse and understanding of her actions, completing courses under Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The panel, impressed by her remorse and efforts to gain insight, agreed to revoke the suspension. Dr. Kasztelewicz proposed to undergo work shadowing in London, observing and reflecting before resuming work at St Mary’s Hospital. She also outlined plans to train as a GP in the future. The doctor acknowledged the inappropriate nature of her relationship with the patient, expressing deep regret for her actions and the impact on various parties, including the General Medical Council, colleagues, and the public.
The case highlights the importance of ethical conduct and patient safety in the medical profession. Dr. Kasztelewicz’s journey serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaching professional standards and the need for continuous professional development and accountability within healthcare settings.