A consultant neurosurgeon at Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales, Chirag Patel, is suspended amid allegations involving a patient and opioid painkillers. Multiple reports say Patel slept with a woman identified in accounts only as “Patient A” after prescribing opioid medication. NDTV reports that the doctor told investigators he prescribed the opioids because he believed the patient was blackmailing him, alleging threats to expose their relationship. The reports also state that the hospital takes the allegations seriously and has moved to suspend him pending further review. The woman is not publicly identified in the available reporting. The case centers on whether the doctor’s prescribing of opioid drugs was appropriate and whether his conduct with the patient constitutes professional misconduct. Further investigation and any related disciplinary or legal processes are expected to determine the outcome.