Press Release

Occupational therapist suspended for one year by UK regulator.

17 May 2007

On 14 and 15 May a panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met to consider the case of Shinu Joseph at the Health Professions Council in Kennington, London. The Panel heard that the registrant's fitness to practise was impaired by reason of his lack of competence whilst employed by Bedford Primary Care Trust between October 2004 and October 2005.

The Panel heard that  Mr Joseph qualified in India and came to the United Kingdom after his appointment  to the Bedford PCT following his recruitment  by video interview. Shortly after the commencement of his employment, the Trust became concerned about the level of Mr Joseph's competence. In his written representations Mr Joseph maintained that he was subjected to bullying, harassment and racial discrimination. The Panel  looked into these allegations and was satisfied that this was not the case.

Panel Chair Martin Ryder said: "After considering the evidence of two witnesses who are employed by Bedford PCT and various written documentation, the Panel is satisfied that Mr Joseph's fitness to practise is impaired and that his level of performance fails to meet the standards of proficiency for occupational therapists. In determining which sanction to impose the Panel has given regard to the fact that Mr Joseph’s level of competence is well below the standards required for safe practice. The Panel  has  therefore concluded that a suspension order for a period of one year is a necessary and proportionate sanction."

The Health Professions Council is an independent, UK-wide health regulator set up by the Health Professions Order (2001).  The HPC keeps a register for thirteen different health professions and only  registers people who meet the standards it sets for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health. The HPC will take action against health professionals who do not meet these standards or who use a protected title illegally.