8th February 2005
NEWS RELEASE
Ayr speech and language therapist suspended by UK health regulator

A speech and language therapist from Ayr has been suspended for a period of 9 months by the Health Professions Council. Lindsay Boyes will not be able to continue using the legally protected title 'speech and language therapist' for the next nine months.

A panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met on 4th February to consider the case of Lindsay Boyes at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow.

Graham Beatall, Chair of the Panel said... "The panel has considered all the evidence presented and has decided that the allegation, that Lindsay Boyes fitness to practise as a registered health professional is impaired by reason of her conviction for assault, is well founded.

"Conviction for assault is a serious offence that indicates that Miss Boyes has not maintained a high standard of personal conduct as required by paragraph 3 of the Health Professions Council's Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. Furthermore, the panel believes the conviction has damaged the reputation of the speech and language therapy profession and so contravened paragraph 16 of the same standards.

"The panel considered the option of a striking-off order but believes Miss Boyes has demonstrated a sufficient degree of insight, remorse and willingness to resolve matters.

"The panel also took note of the exceptional mitigating circumstances and is of the view that there is a low risk of recurrence. Therefore, the panel decided against a striking-off order.

"It is the decision of the panel that a suspension order be imposed on Miss Boyes for a period of 9 months. The panel notes that a suspension order should not prevent Miss Boyes from seeking employment as an Assistant Speech and Language Therapist, working under supervision. The panel decided to impose an interim suspension order, on the grounds of public protection, to last for the duration of the 28 day appeal period, or if an appeal is made, until that appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of (subject to a maximum of 18 months)".

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, and will take action against people who do not.