25th January 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Coventry physiotherapist suspended from Register for a further year

A physiotherapist has had his registration suspended for a further year by the Health Professions Council following his previous suspension a year ago. Whilst suspended, he will not be able to practise using the protected title 'physiotherapist'.

A meeting of a panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee took place today to review the suspension order issued to Fadayomi Alade on 5th February 2004.

Pam Sabine, chair of the panel, said,

"The Panel is today reviewing the order made on 4th February 2004, and it has to decide what order, if any, should be in force following 3rd February 2005.

The Panel has paid particular attention to the evidence of Mr Alade, and has not overlooked the cultural and language differences between the UK and Nigeria.  We have equally taken into consideration the personal and financial consequences of the decision we have arrived at.

It has been conceded by and on behalf of Mr Alade that it is appropriate for the Panel to make some order today.  What is suggested (by the registrant and their representative) is that from 3rd February 2005 there should be substituted a conditions of practice order for the suspension order currently running.

The Panel's primary function is to protect the safety of patients.  We have carefully considered whether it would be appropriate to make a conditions of practice order.  However, we consider that Mr Alade would require supervision which would be both close and constant if the public were to be protected, and we do not believe that a conditions of practice order could realistically ensure this degree of supervision.

It therefore follows that the opinion of the Panel is that the only appropriate order is a further suspension order".

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, in order to protect the public.