7th March 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Cheshire physiotherapist suspended by health regulator

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the HPC met on the 4th March at Park House, Kennington to hear the case of Patrick Guest. The panel heard the allegation that his fitness to practise was impaired by reason of his Misconduct.

Sandy Yule, Chairman of the Panel said "The Panel is satisfied that both allegations are well founded in that:

1)        Mr Guest's fitness to practise as a registered health professional is impaired by reason of his misconduct in that he failed to keep and maintain accurate records relating to patients under his care whilst employed by Shetland NHS Board between the 12th July 2004 and the 13th of August 2004.

2)        Mr Guest's fitness to practise as a registered health professional is impaired by reason of his lack of competence in that he failed to keep and maintain accurate records relating to patients under his care whilst employed by Shetland NHS Board between the 12th July 2004 and the 13th of August 2004.

"The Panel considered Mr Guest not only showed a lack of competence but also took a deliberate and conscious decision not to complete records in the cases in question.
The Panel noted that his behaviour is in contravention of Article 2 b.5 in the Standards of Proficiency for Physiotherapists and Article 10 of the Health Professions Council's Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.

"The Panel has agreed to make a suspension order for a period of six months."

The Health Professions Council is a UK-wide health regulator set up to protect the public. It sets standards for thirteen 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.