A DOCTOR accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old patient in her hospital bed has been suspended by the General Medical Council for 18 months.

Naveen Shivan, 34, of Infirmary Close, Blackburn, is awaiting a hearing at Preston Crown Court on December 20 and has, through his solicitor, already strenuously denied the allegation.

The GMC suspension is standard practice when such allegations are made and is designed to cover the length of time that court proceedings could take.

Dr Shivan works in the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit of Blackburn Royal Infirmary. He was arrested on August 14 following allegations made by a 16-year-old girl.

A spokesman for the GMC said an order had been made until May 14, 2007.

The spokesman added that the orders were made when a doctor was facing allegations of such a nature that it might be necessary for the protection of members of the public, be it in the public interest or in the interests of the doctor.

He added that considerations taken into account included preserving public trust in the medical profession and maintaining good standards of conduct and performance.

A spokesman for the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust declined to comment on the GMC suspension due to the legal proceedings.