29th October 2004
NEWS RELEASE
Jersey Occupational Therapist struck off by UK Health Regulator

An occupational therapist from Jersey has been struck off by the Health Professions Council. A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met to consider the case of Lesley Brooks on 27th October 2004. They heard that her fitness to practise as a registered health professional was impaired by reason of her Misconduct whilst employed with Caesarea Association in that she was found to be drunk at work on the 14th March 2004 whilst working as a care assistant.

Sandy Yule, Chair of the panel, said....."The patients concerned were in a very vulnerable position and are extremely dependent upon the competence and reliability of staff members. The misconduct involved reckless acts which amounted to an abuse of trust. Miss Brooks' misconduct therefore is serious and reckless which could have put these vulnerable patients at risk.

"We have considered all the options available including taking no further action, mediation, a caution and a conditions of practice order and do not feel that these are sufficient to protect the public. We considered a suspension order but do not have any evidence to support the fact that the health professional is able to resolve or remedy her failings. The Panel consider that in order to protect the public adequately, the Registrar be instructed to remove the name of Miss Brooks from the register".

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.