Nurse who asked colleague about sex toys suspended

A nurse has been suspended after he was found to have sexually harassed a colleague by asking her explicit questions.

Benjamin Terkper admitted asking his former colleague about sex toys, if she wanted him to find her a "sugar daddy", and if she was on her period.

The offences took place over a period of months in 2023 and 2024 while Terkper was working at a private hospital in Oxford, operated by Nuffield Health.

A Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel has now suspended him for 12 months, saying his behaviour reflected a "deep-seated attitudinal issue".

The panel also found there was a risk of Terkper repeating the behaviour towards patients and members of the public.

Terkper was dismissed from his role at the private hospital in Oxford in June 2024, following a disciplinary investigation into sexual harassment.

He admitted asking his colleague about dildos and if she was on her period, and also made comments about finding her "an older sugar daddy to take care of her".

The former nurse also admitted calling her at 22:00 BST while she was not in work, then asking the next day why she did not answer.

Further accusations that he asked what penis size she preferred and if she used a vibrator were proven by the NMC panel.

In its ruling, the NMC said Terkper's fitness to practise as a nurse was impaired on both public protection and public interest grounds.

It found his conduct amounted to misconduct, including sexual harassment.

The NMC acknowledged that Terkper had apologised, engaged with the proceedings and completed relevant training.

But it said a "lack of meaningful insight" from the former nurse meant it "could not be said" that the behaviour was highly unlikely to be repeated.

Terkper has been suspended for 12 months, with an interim suspension order of 18 months imposed pending appeal.

A spokesperson for Nuffield Health said: "We were made aware of this case and concerns were investigated promptly, with appropriate action taken - including a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)."