In terms of medico-legal advice, although the GMC makes it clear in its guidance that doctors mustnt use their professional position to pursue a sexual or improper relationship with a patient or someone close to them, it doesnt mention anything specific on hugging.

Can doctors have relations with patients?

A physician must terminate the patient-physician relationship before initiating a dating, romantic, or sexual relationship with a patient. Likewise, sexual or romantic relationships between a physician and a former patient may be unduly influenced by the previous physician-patient relationship.

How often do doctors have affairs?

When we asked physicians how often they have sex, the median figure was five times per month—roughly once a week, with a little bonus.