Complaint references: CR63

The complainant raised concerns around the Registrant's professional conduct and behaviour during a hospital appointment. Allegations included patronising comments made by the Registrant towards the service user's partner regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and that the Registrant pressured the service user into removing their mask.

Investigation conducted into potential breach of Section 1.1, 1.2 & 6.1 of NRCPD's Code of Conduct.

Case Examiners decided based on the evidence provided, that there was a realistic prospect of finding an impairment of fitness to practice, but that it was not in the public interest to refer the case to a Complaints Committee.

The Case Examiners found that there was a breach of 1.1 of the Code, the Registrant demonstrated a lack of respect during the assignment towards both the service user and their partner. The also found there was a breach of 6.1 of the Code, stemming from the Registrant's inappropriate discussion regarding COVID-19 vaccination. They decided that the Registrant must undertake work with a mentor to discuss their findings and work towards behaving in a way that follows the Ethical Principle to respect the personal choices of service users, and which maintains public trust and confidence in the profession.