2nd November 2004
NEWS RELEASE
Physiotherapist suspended from Register

A Physiotherapist from Stourbridge has been suspended from the Register for six months by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the HPC met yesterday to hear the case of Debra Harrison. The allegation was heard that her fitness to practise as a registered health professional was impaired by reason of her misconduct in relation to her breach of the data protection act.

Sandy Yule, Chair of the Panel said....."The Committee takes a particularly serious view of this case.  Your admitted conduct demonstrated a lack of understanding of the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and all aspects of data protection.  In this regard it is significant that you were the Physiotherapy Manager at West Midlands Hospital.

"We have considered all the disposal options available to us and we have taken into account your previous unblemished record.  We have also had regard to the importance of ensuring that any order we make is both proportionate and reasonable. However, the Committee considers that the only order which it can properly make in this case is a suspension order for a period of 6 months.  It is only by this order that the Committee can demonstrate to the public at large the fundamental importance of maintaining the confidentiality of all details surrounding patient management".

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 she is suspended from the HPC Register, Debra Harrison cannot practise anywhere in the UK using the protected title 'physiotherapist'.