THE fitness of a former Great Western Hospital doctor to practice was deemed impaired by a medical tribunal today, nearly a year after he was convicted of taking an indecent image of a child and voyeurism.

Dr Michael Chong Kee Lok, who had worked as a specialty registrar in the Emergency Department since 2004, was suspended on January 7, 2013 by the hospital.

The 50-year-old, from Kingswood, later admitted taking a photograph of a 15-year-old boy on his phone at Bath University Sports Village in November and December 2012. He also pleaded guilty to seven counts of voyeurism at Bristol Crown Court.

At a hearing of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service today, a panel found his fitness to practice medicine had been impaired by his criminal conviction.

MPTS panel chairman Dr Bernard Herdan said that although Lok had ‘recognised the severe impact’ of his offending, he could not ignore his conviction.

“In summary you were convicted of seven counts of voyeurism and one count of taking an indecent photograph of a child. The offences took place at the swimming facilities at Bath University, where you went swimming on a regular basis. On seven separate occasions between 7 November 2012 and 19 December 2012 you used your mobile phone to photograph other males in the changing rooms while they were naked, without their permission or knowledge. These account for the seven counts of voyeurism.

“On 19 December 2012, you took photographs on your phone of a 15-year-old boy while he was naked in the changing rooms. This accounts for the offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child. This incident led you to being arrested.”

Lok was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes a sex offenders treatment programme at Bristol Crown Court last year.

The panel will now consider what sanction, if any, to impose on the doctor’s registration.