Lincolnshire biomedical scientist struck off for dishonesty

A convicted biomedical scientist has been struck off the Register by the Health Professions Council, a health regulator.

A panel of the Conduct and Competence committee met on the 3^rd February to hear the case of Richard Whitaker, a biomedical scientist registered in Sleaford, in Lincolnshire.

They heard that Mr Whitaker had been convicted on 30th April 2003 at Leicester Crown Court for 'obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception and for making a false instrument.'

Sandy Yule, chair of the panel said, "Mr.Whitaker lied and continued to lie regarding his qualification and went so far as to forge a PhD certificate. Mr.Whitaker also betrayed the trust of his colleagues.

"...we consider the dishonest action taken by Mr.Whitaker has impaired his fitness to practise by reason of conduct.

"...our decision is to direct the Registrar to remove the name of Mr.Whitaker from the Register. The reasons are : -

- the serious nature of the offence which was deliberate and ongoing acts of dishonesty which undermines the confidence and trust of both the public his colleagues; and

- the removal of the registrant from the register was required to protect the public in the future since Mr. Whitaker has deceived his colleagues."

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.

Since he is no longer registered with the HPC, Richard Whitaker can no longer use the legally protected title of 'biomedical scientist'.

Ends

Rachel Tripp
Communications Officer
Health Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org
rachel.tripp@hpc-uk.org 020 7840 9760

Notes to Editors

1. A biomedical scientist analyses specimens from patients to provide data to help doctors diagnose and treat disease.

2. Full details of this case including the notice of allegation, panel's findings, and particulars of lack of competence, will be posted on the HPC website here:

http://www.hpc-uk.org/legal/ftp/HPC-03-ML-039.htm

3. Information about the HPC's fitness to practise proceedings can be found on the HPC website here: www.hpc-uk.org/legal

HPC-03-ML-039