15th April 2005
NEWS RELEASE
London paramedic cautioned by health regulator

A paramedic has been cautioned by the Health Professions Council (HPC). The caution will last for four years.  

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the Health Professions Council met on the 13th-15th April 2005 to hear the case of David Ryell. They met to hear the allegation that Mr. Ryell's fitness to practise as a registered health professional is impaired by reason of his lack of competence and  misconduct whilst in the employment of the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Gordon Sutehall, chair of the panel, said..."David Ryell was employed by the London Ambulance Service from April 1989. He was initially employed as an EMT until he qualified as a paramedic in November 1996. Following the investigation of a complaint relating to an incident on the 24th March 2002, Mr Ryell's authority to practise as a Paramedic with the London Ambulance Service was withdrawn for a minimum period of a year. Mr Ryell was informed that his status as a Paramedic would not be restored and the matter would be referred to the HPC.

"The Panel finds a lack of competence by reference to the HPC standards of proficiency for Paramedics. It concludes that there is evidence, in four of the episodes listed in the chronology of events, of a lack of competence. This, in the Panel's view, cumulatively amounts to a finding, on the balance of probability, of a lack of competence.

"In addition, by reference to the standards of conduct, performance and ethics, the Panel concludes that there is evidence, in five of the episodes listed in the chronology, of misconduct. This, in the Panel's view, cumulatively amounts to a finding of misconduct.

"The Panel concluded that there was a residual risk to the public and therefore to take no action was not appropriate. The Panel had concerns about Mr Ryell's attitude and its effect on other team members, as reflected in the Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics, Standard 1(b). In addition, the Panel had concerns regarding Mr Ryell's adherence to Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, Standard 6, namely keeping within the limits of his knowledge, skills and experience, as evidenced by the complaint involving drug administration".

A Caution order was imposed for a period of four years.

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.