3rd February 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Conditions of Practise Order issued by UK Health Regulator

A physiotherapist has been given a 12 month Conditions of Practise Order by the Health Professions Council.

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met on the 1st February 2005 to consider the case of Merlin Jose.

Keith Ross, the chair of the panel, said....."Mrs. Jose was employed at the Pilgrim Hospital, in Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, as a locum junior grade physiotherapist from the 17 May 2004 to 3 June 2004, when her contract was terminated.

Mrs. Hill, who was a senior 1 team leader in the medical physiotherapy team, gave evidence of deficiencies in core skills, citing particular concerns about record keeping, manual handling and communication, which were raised at the appraisal meeting on 25 May 2004. Key objectives and targets were set in the following areas; manual handling, clinical skills and knowledge in relation to respiratory care and documentation, with particular reference to CSP standards. These objectives were accepted and agreed by Mrs. Jose.

Mrs. Jose acknowledged in her own statement, and in response to questions, that she needed a period of mentoring and support in order to adjust to the physiotherapy requirements in the UK.  She reported that she has since had an opportunity to improve her documentation skills whilst working in a voluntary capacity at Hemel Hempstead. In addition, she is also attending English classes to improve her communication skills.

These actions demonstrate that Mrs. Jose is aware of her deficiencies and is looking to address them.

Not withstanding this, and from the evidence presented today, the Committee considers that the deficiencies have not been fully addressed.

The Committee finds the allegation that Mrs. Jose's fitness to practise is impaired by reason of her lack competence to be well founded. It is not appropriate to take no further action in this case. Mediation and a caution are not appropriate in this case as they do not address the outstanding deficiencies.

The Committee decided therefore to impose a Conditions of Practice Order for a period of 12 months.

Mrs. Jose has to comply with the following conditions of practice:

1.        For a period of 12 months from the operative date she shall only work in the position of a Junior Physiotherapist under supervision.
2.        Within 12 months of the operative date, she shall undertake and provide evidence to the Committee that she has undertaken training in the following areas:
        1.        Manual Handling
        2.        Record keeping and documentation
        3.        Clinical reasoning
3.         This order shall be reviewed at the end of 12 months from the operative date.

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.