Doctor Nathaniel Spencer Charged with Sexual Assaults of 38 Patients – Fletchers Solicitors Respond

A former resident doctor, Nathaniel Spencer, has been charged with multiple sexual offences involving 38 patients under his care across two major NHS Trusts in the West Midlands.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2017 and 2021 at Royal Stoke University Hospital and Russells Hall Hospital, where Mr Spencer worked during placements at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Spencer, 38, of Quinton, Birmingham, faces:

• 15 counts of sexual assault
• 17 counts of assault by penetration
• Nine counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• Three counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• One count of attempted assault by penetration

He has been suspended from medical practice pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and is due to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 20 January 2026.

Both NHS trusts involved have set up dedicated helplines for patients with concerns about their care. The General Medical Council also confirmed it has taken action to prevent Mr Spencer from practising while investigations continue.

“Patients deserve answers” – Expert legal insight from Fletchers Solicitors

Francesca Paul, Partner and medical negligence specialist at Fletchers Solicitors, said the reports echo troubling patterns she has seen in previous cases involving misconduct by healthcare professionals.

“The news that a doctor has been charged with such serious offences is extremely distressing, and my thoughts are with every patient and family who may be affected. These remain allegations at this stage, and it is important that the criminal process is allowed to run its course.

From my experience supporting individuals in cases involving misconduct in clinical environments, I know how deeply damaging situations like this can be. They raise significant concerns about safeguarding, trust, and the systems that exist to protect patients.

It is vital that anyone impacted receives clear information, specialist support, and the opportunity to seek answers. Many people are unaware that, alongside the criminal investigation, there may be a civil route available to help them access therapy, rehabilitation and a sense of justice. Whatever the outcome, my hope is that those involved are given the support and clarity they need moving forward.”

 Civil claims alongside criminal proceedings

While the criminal case will determine whether offences were committed, a civil claim can help patients access:

• Psychological support and therapy
• Specialist medical treatment
• Financial compensation for the impact on their lives
• A formal investigation into what happened and why

Civil cases can run in parallel with criminal proceedings and are often an important part of a survivor’s recovery and search for answers. They also help highlight potential systemic issues within healthcare environments, including safeguarding failures or missed opportunities to protect patients.

At this stage, the allegations against Mr Spencer remain unproven, and the criminal process is ongoing.

How Fletchers Solicitors can support affected patients

Fletchers Solicitors has extensive experience representing individuals affected by sexual misconduct, abuse, and serious breaches of trust in clinical settings. Our team can offer:

• Confidential, trauma-informed legal advice
• Guidance on the civil processes
• Access to specialists in psychological and rehabilitative support
• No-win, No-fee representation in eligible cases

Anyone concerned about the care they or a loved one received while under Mr Spencer’s treatment is encouraged to seek confidential advice.

For further information on patient safety concerns linked to The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, you can read our guide on West Midlands patients who reported infections after flexible cystoscopies.