A 19-year-old Bulgarian woman is on trial for posing as a doctor and illegally treating patients in London, dariknews.bg reported.
The woman, identified as Krevena Zdravkova, visited the "Ealing" hospital. in April this year. She was in "disguised" medical headphones and gloves and thus managed to fool the patients and staff at the hospital that she was a doctor.
Zdravkova subjected a patient to false medical care. The Bulgarian woman injected an unknown substance through a syringe into his throat, but later it became clear that she was not a real doctor. Three days later, she returned to the hospital again, dressed in a medical uniform, and was arrested on the spot.
Before the court at "Isleworth" Zdravkova admitted that she always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but she did not get the opportunity to study to become a medic. Judge Fiona Barry ordered a 12-month probation order and a ban on the Bulgarian woman visiting hospitals in the UK, except in cases of emergency.
Her lawyer, Harry Stallard, explained that the migrant married at 14 and became a mother of twins, which prevented her from continuing her education. Although her actions were illegal, the lawyer claims that Zdravkova demonstrated "compassion" to the patient and simply "followed her childhood dream".
Judge Barry emphasized that although the patient was not physically harmed, the situation could have led to serious consequences. In addition, the 19-year-old's actions were "planned" and with them she has undermined confidence in the NHS (National Health Service).
However, given her youth and lack of previous violations, the court ruled more leniently, as Krevena Zdravkova had already served 35 days in prison before the verdict was pronounced.