Condition of Practice Order for Manchester occupational therapist

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the HPC met in Liverpool on the 6th September to hear the case of Susan Harbottle. The panel heard the allegation that Susan Harbottle's fitness to practise was impaired by reason of her lack of competence between 2001 and 2003 whilst in the employment of Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust.

Robert Clegg, Chairman of the Panel said "We find that there has been no serious overall failing but elements of practice....have fallen below the standards of a competent occupational therapist. We believe that a condition of practice order is the appropriate sanction in this case.

"The conditions are: (i) that within a period of six months of returning to work, evidence is provided by the registrant from a Registered Occupational Therapist of satisfactory practice particularly with reference to assessment and treatment planning. (ii) That employment should not be in a Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.

This order will be operational for a three year period. We are not specifying a period in which an application to vary, replace or revoke this order can be made".

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