4th March 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Liverpool physiotherapist struck off by health regulator

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the HPC met on the 2nd March at Liverpool Marriott Hotel to hear the case of Robert Dunn. The panel heard the allegation that his fitness to practise was impaired by reason of his Misconduct in that whilst in the employment of Aintree Hospital NHS Trust, Mr. Dunn acted inappropriately towards a patient.

Carol Lloyd, Chairman of the Panel said "The Panel considered all the written and oral evidence before it today and the submissions made on behalf of the Council. It has concluded that the allegation is well founded and that the fitness to practice of the Registrant is impaired.

"The Panel....accepted that the Registrant behaved in an inappropriate manner towards the witness on two separate occasions. In particular he made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature, positioned himself too close to her whilst examining and treating her and remained in the cubicle after asking her to remove her lower outer garments.

"The Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics state that a Registrant must always maintain high standards of personal conduct and carry out duties in a professional and ethical way. Also a Registrant must ensure that his behaviour does not damage the reputation of the profession. The Panel concluded that a striking off order should be imposed."

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.