Press Release

Edinburgh Paramedic cautioned by UK Health Regulator.

18th September  2006

A Paramedic from Edinburgh has been cautioned by the Health Professions Council.

A Panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met on 13 September 2006 to consider the case of  Mr Paul Cooney. The Panel considered the witness statement of PC Kevin Weaver and noted that the registrant had been convicted of driving a motor vehicle on 19 May 2005 after consuming alcohol which exceeded the prescribed limit contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Although the offence was committed by Mr. Cooney when he was not on duty, the registrant’s conviction demonstrated that his conduct fell short of the standards of personal conduct expected of a registered health professional under the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics of the Health Professions Council. 

Chair of the Panel Raymond Pattison said...."When considering the case, the Panel took into account that Mr. Cooney was previously of good character. He accepted full responsibility for his conduct and its consequences, and gave an assurance that the offence was an isolated lapse. The Panel  noted the registrant’s remorse as well as his commitment to remain abstinent from alcohol. Mr. Cooney had attended an alcohol awareness course at his own expense which had resulted in a 25% reduction in his driving ban. He was initially suspended from his duties but following a disciplinary hearing, his employers the Scottish Ambulance Service had confirmed that they were prepared to allow him to continue with his duties as a registered Paramedic.
"The Panel recognises the degree of support which Scottish Ambulance Service had provided to Mr. Cooney and the fact that he has remained in paid employment throughout the whole period. The Panel is impressed with such support and also with the testimonials which have been provided on his behalf."

Having taken into account all the circumstances and the low risk of reoccurrence, the Panel concluded that a caution order for a period of five years would be an appropriate sanction in this case.

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 an health, and will take action against people who do not.