FAKE psychiatrist Zholia Alemi treated 250 elderly patients during her eight month stint working for the NHS in west Cumbria.

As the General Medical Council (GMC) continued its investigation into the 56-year-old fraudster, more shocking details have emerged about her bogus 23-year career.

She worked illegally as a doctor since 1995 after exploiting a loophole in the UK’s registration system for doctors trained in Commonwealth countries.

She claimed she had a medical degree from New Zealand’s The University of Auckland. But she was not a qualified doctor.

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust employed Alemi for eight months until June 2016.

Bosses there have confirmed that she worked in old age psychiatry, based at Workington Community Hospital and treating patients across west Cumbria.

Patients or relatives who are concerned about their contact with Alemi, who lived at Scaw Road, High Harrington, are being urged to seek support through the trust’s Patient Experience team.

Meanwhile, Workington MP Sue Hayman has written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirming that she has had a complaint from at least one family who believe Alemi mistreated their relative.

The MP asks: “Can you outline what steps your department is taking so that I can reassure my constituents that this is an isolated case, so that they can have confidence that any professional health worker they consult is properly qualified, and fit to practice, and that such a situation can not arise again?

“The GMC have also informed me that they have brought this to the attention of the police and other agencies, including NHS England, so that they may take the necessary action to support patients and answer any questions they may have.

“I have also been made aware that the medication she prescribed to a constituent was not appropriate for the patient’s condition and could have had seriously adverse effects.

“Can I ask what action is being taken to review the treatment of patients in Ms Alemi’s care, including a review of medication and the cause of any deaths...

“I believe there are a number of very serious questions still yet to be answered and look forward to your swift response.”

The GMC is now reviewing the qualifications of 3,000 UK doctors whose route on the UK Medical Register was the same as Alemi’s. This registration route was abolished in 2003 and current vetting procedures are “rigorous”, say officials.

The News & Star investigated Alemi after she was convicted of theft and fraud.

She forged an elderly patient’s will in an audacious bid to inherit her £1.3m estate.

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