30th July 2004
NEWS RELEASE

Harrogate radiographer cautioned for theft

A Radiographer from Harrogate has been cautioned by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the HPC met on the 28th July to hear the case of Barbara Bargh. The panel heard the allegation that Barbara Bargh's fitness to practise was impaired by reason of her conviction at York Magistrates Court on 13th October 2003.

The panel heard evidence that Barbara Bargh falsified 20 monthly timesheets involving 45 claims for on-call work that she had not done. The claims were submitted to Harrogate District Hospital for the amount of £7,373.55.

Gordon Sutehall, Chairman of the panel said

"The panel has read the correspondence from Mrs Bargh and has taken her statements of personal circumstances into account, and has taken note of the fact that the money was repaid in full

"The panel has considered the range of options available to it to protect the public and has concluded that, given the serious nature of the allegations, to take no further action is not appropriate

"The panel considers that the likelihood of repetition of these offences is remote. In considering the range of sanctions, we are of the opinion that to protect the public in this case:

- mediation is not relevant

- striking-off and suspension are not proportionate

- and that conditions of practice will not serve to protect the public

"Therefore the panel is issuing a caution which takes account of the very serious nature and extent of Mrs Bargh's dishonesty and deception. Accordingly the panel is imposing a caution order which will run 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 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.

ENDS