David Jackson Convicted Of Falsely Claiming To Be An Osteopath, UK

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court has ruled that a phoney practitioner describing himself as an osteopath has broken the law. Mr David Jackson of Newton Abbot, Devon pleaded not guilty yesterday to three charges of describing himself as an osteopath when not registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). He was fined £3,000 in relation to each charge and ordered to pay costs of over £14,000.

Since the passing of the Osteopaths Act 1993, the title 'osteopath' is protected by law. Under Section 32(1) of the Act, it is a criminal offence for anyone to claim, expressly or by implication, to be any kind of osteopath, unless registered with the GOsC. The GOsC is the only statutory regulator in the UK that registers qualified osteopaths and sets standards of osteopathic practice and conduct.

Patient safety is the primary purpose of restricting the use of the osteopathic title to those registered with the General Osteopathic Council. The GOsC ensures that the practitioners on its register are safe and competent osteopaths who follow strict codes of conduct.

Mr Jackson has never been registered with the GOsC.

Ms Evlynne Gilvarry, Chief Executive & Registrar at the GOsC, commented: "These convictions are a victory for patient safety, indicating the Courts' stand on the seriousness of protecting the public from bogus practitioners. We [the GOsC] will continue to prosecute anyone who unlawfully describes themselves as an osteopath, in order to maintain the good reputation of the osteopathic profession and, above all, protect the public."

For details of a registered osteopath in your area contact the General Osteopathic Council on 020 7357 6655 or visit the GOsC website: http://www.osteopathy.org.uk

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the practice of osteopathic care in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK.

We work with the public and profession to protect and promote patient safety through effective regulation of osteopaths in the UK by:

- registering qualified professionals
- setting standards of osteopathic practice and conduct
- assuring the quality of osteopathic education
- ensuring continuing professional development
- helping patients with concerns or complaints about an osteopath.

The Statutory Register of Osteopaths

- Osteopaths are statutorily regulated health professionals and form an integral part of primary care teams.

- Only practitioners who meet the highest standards of safety and competency are eligible for registration. Proof of good health, good character and professional indemnity insurance cover is also a requirement.

- It is an offence for anyone to describe themselves as an osteopath and practise as such, unless registered with the GOsC. The public can, therefore, be confident in visiting a registered osteopath that they will experience safe and competent treatment from a practitioner who adheres to a strict code of practice:

- "13. (1) The General Osteopathic Council shall from time to time determine the standard of proficiency which, in its opinion, is required for the competent and safe practice of osteopath" (Osteopaths Act 1993).

- Copies of Standard 2000 (S2K) are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.

- "Any patient consulting an osteopath is entitled to a high standard of care. The register of osteopaths exists so that members of the public can identify those who have demonstrated their ability to practise to the required standards" (extract from the GOsC 'Code of Practice', GOsC, 2005).

- Copies of the Code of Practice are available from the GOsC on 020 7357 6655.

- The 2008 Statutory Register of Osteopaths provides a geographical index of all practising osteopaths, and is available to healthcare providers and the general public. Printed copies are available from the GOsC. A current and searchable listing of osteopaths is available on the GOsC website: http://www.osteopathy.org.uk.

General Osteopathic Council