Legal News

The HCPC Conduct and Competence Committee has struck off a paramedic after a disciplinary panel heard how he had carried out examinations on female patients, which were not clinically justified.

The HCPC panel was told that concerns emerged about paramedic Stuart Hamilton during an August 2012 review of a procedure called a12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes attached to the body.

The procedure was used by Mr Hamilton’s employer, The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

However, the HCPC panel was told that among female patients aged ten to 30 years, Mr Hamilton was undertaking significantly more 12 lead ECGs than his colleagues.

A further review of 15 random cases when Hamilton performed 12 lead ECGs found that of the 15 cases, a total of 12 were on female patients – and eight of these were not clinically justified.

Other allegations against Mr Hamilton which were proved included him unnecessarily removing patients’ clothing, as well as “unprofessional and offensive” comments about patients – and sending a colleague inappropriate pictures.

Mr Hamilton had referred himself to the HCPC on 12 October 2012, before resigning on 15 November 2013.

The Panel decided the most proportionate sanction was to strike the name of Stuart Hamilton from the Register, with an interim suspension order to cover the appeal period.

Stuart Hamilton was neither present nor represented at the hearing.

After the hearing, Panel Chair Mrs Polly Clarke commented:

“The facts proved included unnecessary touching, which was clearly sexually motivated. This put patients and those caring for them at risk of harm.

“Due to the volume of cases – and the duration over which the misconduct continued – the Panel considers the Registrant sought out and orchestrated opportunities to abuse his position of trust.

“The Registrant’s behaviour could be described as ‘deplorable’ by fellow practitioners.”

The HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) is an independent regulator set up by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001, which maintains a register for 16 different health and care professions.

Anyone with concerns about a professional can report these to the HCPC, which also regulates social workers in England.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Claims Against Paramedics

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have suffered injury as a result of paramedic negligence or misconduct on how to make a claim for compensation.

Claims against paramedics have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury.

In cases involving sexual or physical assault, a police report has to be made – Duncan Lewis can advise further on claims against paramedics involving sexual or physical abuse.

Children can make a personal injury compensation claim up to the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Claims Against Paramedics, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.