Occupational Therapist Suspended For Lack Of Competence

Main Category: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 02 Jul 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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Occupational therapist, Ms Hannah McIlhinney has been suspended from the HPC Register for lack of competence whilst working for the Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS trust.

A panel of the HPC Conduct and Competence Committee heard how Ms McIlhinney had been employed on a six month contract during which time it quickly became apparent that she had difficulties making the transition from being a student to a basic grade occupational therapist and a number of deficiencies in her practice in a clinical setting had emerged early in her employment.

The panel also heard that Ms McIlhinney did not appear to be able to rise to the challenges posed by practice despite the support given by senior colleagues at the hospital.

The Panel found that Ms McIlhinney's practice had fallen short of the standards expected of registrant occupational therapists and she did not have sufficient knowledge or skills expected of a qualified occupational therapist.

HPC Panel Chair Mr Derek Adrian - Harris commented:

"If Ms McIlhinney is serious in her stated ambition to resume her career in occupational therapy, this period of suspension will allow her the time and the opportunity which she seeks to address these matters."

The panel decided the most appropriate action was to suspend Ms McIlhinney from the Register for 12 months with immediate effect.

Ms McIlhinney was not present but was represented.

Source
Health Professions Council