A psychologist was ordered to undergo “civility and respect” training after criticising a government minister in front of a patient. 

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) upheld a complaint by patient Colin Aylward after forensic psychologist Mark Boden made comments about Sajid Javid MP. 

Then, when Mr Aylward reported his concerns to the trust, a staff member responded by referring to the minister as “Sajid Patel”.  

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The doctor and patient spotted the then-health secretary out of a window in March, during an official visit to Barking Hospital. 

Asked by Mr Aylward whether the man was Mr Javid, Dr Boden replied that it was, before adding: “You can tell by the stupid way he waves his hands”. 

He then observed that Mr Javid looked “whiter in person”. 

Mr Aylward, from Dagenham, had been recording his therapy sessions with Dr Boden, so had evidence of the remarks.  

When he filed a complaint with NELFT, a manager responded by writing: “Can we arrange a time next week for me to listen to the recording you have in which your discussion with Mark Boden on Sajid Patel is discussed.” 

The trust provides mental health services across Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Barking and Dagenham. 

A spokesperson said: "NELFT has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination and expects all staff members to work and conduct themselves within keeping of our trust values. 

“This specific incident was shared with our head of equality, diversity and inclusion. It was agreed that the comment would be considered unprofessional in nature and not within keeping of the NELFT values. 

“The individual was requested to attend civility and respect training facilitated within the trust to address the inappropriate comments made.” 

Dr Boden has since moved to the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLAM). 

Asked whether it or Dr Boden would like to comment, the trust’s press office said: "SLAM is committed to upholding a culture of kindness and request. 

“Our values and behaviours framework sets out the behaviours we want to see from each other and the behaviours people who use our services and their carers expect of us.” 

Mr Javid’s parliamentary office was repeatedly approached for comment.