A general practitioner in England has been suspended after admitting she booked fake patient appointments so she could leave work on time to collect her children.
Dr. Helen Eisenhauer, who worked at Stenhouse Medical Centre in Arnold, received a five-month suspension following a misconduct hearing by the General Medical Council. The tribunal found that she booked two appointments last year with patients she had already seen earlier that day in order to ensure she could leave by 6 p.m.
“The incident occurred over one year ago at a time of particular stress for me when I was having to balance the demands of my young family with busy professional commitments,” Eisenhauer told the tribunal. “I fully accept, however, that this does not excuse my dishonesty. I am thoroughly ashamed of my behaviour in July 2024 and am determined to never compromise the medical profession or myself again.”
The incident took place on July 17, 2024, according to tribunal records. Eisenhauer was scheduled to finish work at 4:45 p.m. that day but said she was worried she might be given last-minute appointments that would delay her departure.
To prevent that, she booked two face-to-face appointments at the end of her shift despite having already consulted both patients earlier. Two days later, a colleague noticed that there were no notes recorded for one of the appointments.
“I recall feeling embarrassed and worried about what my colleagues would think of me having made the booking,” Eisenhauer said during the hearing. She later added notes to the system, even though the consultation never took place.
“I did this in the middle of my full working day without thinking it through,” she said. “I did not consider the consequences of writing this entry at the time. I recollect only my worry and embarrassment.”
After her actions led to a disciplinary meeting at the practice, Eisenhauer initially denied wrongdoing before referring herself to the General Medical Council on July 17, 2024.
During cross-examination, she said there was nothing unusual about the day itself and acknowledged that she had failed to put appropriate backup childcare arrangements in place.
“I am fully aware of the importance of honesty and probity in my personal and professional life, and the impact that dishonest actions can have on the profession and the public trust,” she said again. “I am thoroughly ashamed of my behaviour in July 2024 and am determined to never compromise the medical profession or myself again.”
Her legal representative told the tribunal that Eisenhauer had been struggling with poor sleep and that missing the childcare pickup that day could have resulted in her losing that childcare arrangement.
Tribunal chair Neil Dalton said Eisenhauer had “displayed a reckless disregard for patient safety and professional standards.”
“Her actions undermined collaborative working, betraying the trust her colleagues needed to place in her probity as they worked alongside her daily,” Dalton said.
In its final ruling, the tribunal said it considered all factors, including the falsification of records. While members discussed taking no action due to what they described as “exceptional circumstances,” they ultimately concluded that a five-month suspension was appropriate.
On Wednesday, Dec. 31, Stenhouse Medical Centre issued a statement on social media addressing the incident.
“When concerns were first raised in July 2024, the Practice undertook a comprehensive internal investigation, following which appropriate action was taken including a self-referral to the GMC by Dr. Eisenhauer,” the statement said. “In the intervening period, the Partners have provided ongoing support to Dr. Eisenhauer and have maintained full confidence in her clinical capabilities.”
“Our focus continues to be supporting the wellbeing of Dr. Eisenhauer, our staff and patients whilst delivering compassionate, safe and reliable care,” the practice added.
