HCPTS removes Rodrigo J Cabral Rodrigues from register

Aggravating factors

• The proven facts involve serious breaches of professional boundaries and an abuse by the Registrant of his relatively senior position in relation to Colleague A to subject her to unwanted sexualised comments and conduct, including a sexual assault. • There was a pattern of sexual and sexually motivated behaviour by the Registrant towards Colleague A, escalating over a period of several days. • The Registrant sought to use his senior position to intimidate Colleague A by telling her that no-one would believe her, and by threatening that he would have her lose her job, if she reported him. • He persisted with his conduct towards Colleague A despite being warned repeatedly by Colleague B that he should stop because it was causing her distress. • His conduct had the potential to create a toxic work environment causing his colleagues to be distracted from their responsibilities to the detriment of patients. • The Registrant’s sexual assault on Colleague A caused her physical bruising, emotional distress and long-term psychological harm. • The Registrant maintained, despite being presented with evidence to the contrary, that his conduct amounted to harmless banter. • He has not provided any apology or shown any remorse, reflection, insight or remediation. He has demonstrated no perception of the effect of his conduct on Colleague A or its negative impact on the workplace, his reputation or the reputation of the profession. • His response to the complaints about his conduct was to allege fabrication by Colleague A for personal advantage and collusion with Colleague B.