INVESTIGATION: Why are doctors banned abroad working in the NHS?

INVESTIGATION: Why are doctors banned abroad working in the NHS?

Author: The Times October 3, 2025 Duration: 31:31

Doctors who’ve been disciplined or had their licence revoked for misconduct or incompetence have been able to work in the NHS. A Times investigation has found more than 20 doctors, who are banned in various countries, but have somehow acquired the right to treat patients here – sometimes with devastating consequences. 


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter, The Times

Host: Manveen Rana

Producer: Shabnam Grewal 

Read more: The doctors banned from practising abroad cleared to treat in NHS

Further listening: Dubai Unlocked: The convicts secretly investing millions in the Emirates

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com


This episode includes references to sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, help is available. 

  • The Survivors Trust provides support and signposting for women, men and children who are survivors of rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse. Phone: 0808 801 0818 or visit the Survivors Trust website 
  • Survivors UK provides support for men and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse Survivors UK website 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Planet Hope: Coral reef gardening with Titouan Bernicot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:47
This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, hosted by The Story as a bonus weekly series each Sunday.Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and vibrant e…
William Hague talks to Seb Coe: Olympics, doping and the trans issue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:29
In his monthly episode for The Story, former foreign secretary and Times columnist Lord Hague sits down with Lord Sebastian Coe - gold medal winning Olympian, president of World Athletics, former Tory MP and William’s ol…
Amazon at 30: How one company changed the world [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:07
It’s thirty years since Amazon launched. What began as a website selling books has become an online juggernaut - where you can buy just about everything. So how did it become one of the most powerful companies in the wor…
Strictly Come Dancing and the bullying allegations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
It's the BBC's flagship Saturday night entertainment show and is a cash cow for the corporation but in recent weeks allegations of physical and verbal abuse have emerged. Yesterday, the head of the BBC apologised to cele…
Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
Joe Biden has stepped down as the Democrat’s nominee for president, endorsing his vice-president Kamala Harris. So, what happens next? Are there others in the running? And crucially, can she beat Donald Trump?This podcas…
Trad Wives: The influencers selling 1950s house-wife life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Millions of social media users are flocking to follow the Trad Wives: stay-at-home mothers who champion a life making meals from scratch and serving their husband’s and children’s every need. Our reporter goes to meet th…
Planet Hope: Discovering the ocean's twilight zone with Luiz Rocha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:51
This is Planet Hope, a podcast from The Times in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative, hosted by The Story as a bonus weekly series each Sunday.The ocean's twilight zone is one of the most important…
Introducing Cocaine Inc. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
Today, we bring you the first episode of a new eight-part series.Cocaine Inc. is hosted by Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter at The Times, David Collins, northern editor at The Sunday Times, and Stephen Drill, national corr…
King’s Speech: How Labour plans to change Britain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
The King unveils Labour’s plans for government today surrounded by pomp and ceremony. What is Labour looking to achieve, does it live up to the promise of change for the country - and can the country afford it?This podca…