Press Release

Paramedic cautioned by UK Health regulator

11th October 2006

A Panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee met on 5th October 2006 to consider the case of Clare Groom. The Panel heard the allegation that her fitness to practise was impaired by reason of her misconduct whilst employed by the Bedford and Hertfordshire NHS Ambulance Service, in that she was present when a colleague made a hoax call and then failed to report the incident when she became aware that this had happened.

Chair of the Panel, Derek Adrian-Harris said.... "Although we accept that she might not have been aware of what was happening at the very first moment, she did in her testimony demonstrate a growing awareness of the situation developing. We are satisfied that she became aware of what her colleague was doing. She did have a duty to prevent any future events of this nature by reporting her colleague as soon as possible. In failing  to do this, we believe that Clare Groom has indeed demonstrated that her fitness to practise is impaired."
The Panel concluded that the appropriate sanction is that Miss Groom should be cautioned for a period of one year.

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.