London: Stephen Hawking's former nurse has been suspended and is facing a misconduct allegation over her care of the renowned physicist.

Britain's Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) handed 61-year-old Patricia Dowdy, who worked for the scientist for 15 years, an interim suspension in March 2016.

A hearing into her professional conduct, which is expected to last until March 21 after beginning in February, has since been held behind closed doors.

Professor Stephen Hawking the renowned physicist pictured in March, 2015. Credit:AP

The director of fitness to practise at the nursing watchdog, Matthew McClelland, said the legislation and guidance of the NMC is "very clear that hearings will usually take place in public".