14th March 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Moray chiropodist struck off by health regulator

A chiropodist from Moray has been struck off by the Health Professions Council.

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met in Inverness to consider the case of Lucy Forsyth on 10th & 11th March 2005.

Keith Ross, chair of the panel, said...

"The panel noted that the problems with Miss Forsyth's record keeping first became apparent in 2001. The Panel heard evidence that Miss Forsyth kept inadequate and incomplete records and, in some cases, no records of patient treatment. She also lost or mislaid record cards in significant numbers. Miss Forsyth was given opportunities to improve her performance and allocated time to do so. She acknowledged the need to improve this aspect of her practice but did not do so.

"Failure to keep proper records can have grave consequences for patients and professional colleagues. It places the public in danger and for that reason we regard it as a serious matter. The nature, frequency and extent of her deficiencies in record keeping indicate to us that this was a wilful failure on her part and therefore amounts to misconduct. We find the allegation that Miss Forsyth's fitness to practise is impaired by reason of misconduct is well-founded.

"The panel...direct the Registrar to strike Miss Forsyth's name from the register. The panel decided to impose an interim suspension order, on the grounds of public protection, to last for the duration of the appeal period or, if an appeal is made, until that appeal is withdrawn or otherwise disposed of (subject to a maximum period of 18 months)."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.