A REVIEW of procedures has been undertaken within an English health authority following a case in which a young Glasgow man posed as a doctor and was allowed to examine a woman patient.
Elliot Castro, 18, from Craigmillar Road, Battlefield, admitted charges of impersonating a doctor, assaulting the woman, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
He was sentenced to four months detention at a young offenders' institution.
The offences took place earlier this year after a young woman collapsed complaining of chest pains on a London to Glasgow train near Carlisle.
When staff called for medical help, Castro - who worked in a Glasgow call centre and was described as a Walter Mitty character - came forward and posed as a doctor.
He was able to convince train staff and paramedics that he was the genuine article and accompanied the woman, Lorraine Tibbs, in an ambulance to Cumberland Infirmary.
Although she was checked by medical staff, Castro was able to carry out a cursory examination of the woman using a stethoscope.
Carlisle magistrates were told that he accompanied Ms Tibbs in a taxi to Glasgow and her suspicions were aroused when he continually stroked her hand and suggested he accompany her to a hotel in Aberdeen.
She alerted police and Castro was arrested as he checked in using a stolen credit card.
A spokesman for North Cumbria health authority said: ''It was very busy and the alleged doctor arrived in an ambulance with a patient.
''His identity should have been checked. A review of procedures took place at the time and staff vigilance has been heightened as a result.''
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