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Epsom physiotherapist suspended from practice by UK regulator

A physiotherapist from Epsom has been suspended from the register for 12 months by the Health Professions Council.

A panel of the Conduct and Competence committee considered the case of Frank Attwater on 3rd August. They heard evidence that Frank Attwater was incompetent whilst employed by East Elmbridge and Mid Surrey NHS Primary Care Trust between August 2003 and March 2004.

Robert Clegg, chair of the panel, said, "Having listened carefully to all the evidence there are many examples where, despite the best efforts of the department, the registrant has failed to meet the standards of a basic grade professional over a prolonged period of time. We have received no evidence today to suggest that since his resignation anything has changed to alter his fitness to practise.

"To ensure the safety of the public, the only option is the suspension of the registrant initially for a period of 12 months. The panel have been very concerned in this case that this Registrant's basic knowledge and skills have been demonstrated to be seriously lacking. Secondly in light of that his clinical competence is severely impaired ... the imporsing of conditions was not appropriate given the serious nature of the allegations."

The Health Professions Council is a UK wide health regulator set up to protect the public. It sets standards for twelve health professions. The HPC only registers people who meet its standards for their professional skills, behaviour and health, and will take action against people who do not.

While Frank Attwater is suspended from the Health Professions Council Register, he cannot practise anywhere in the UK using the legally protected title of 'physiotherapist'.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Full details of this hearing will be posted online here

2. Information about the HPC's fitness to practise process is online here: www.hpc-uk.org/legal