Paramedic suspended

A PARAMEDIC, convicted of stealing 18 canisters of gas from his employers, has been suspended for a year by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Alan Gazeley, who worked in Stevenage and still lives in the town, was convicted at the town magistrates' court last October of the thefts along with two offences of forging prescriptions for the painkiller hydrocodeine.

Now, in a decision just published, the HPC's conduct and competence committee said it takes "a very serious view" of the offences which were "committed over a period of time, were premeditated and involved a substantial theft from his employer".

Imposing the suspension, committee chairman Ian Griffiths said: "Mr Gazeley has admitted the convictions on which this allegation is founded and further admitted that those convictions impair his fitness to practise.

"The panel takes the view that to take no further action and referral for mediation are clearly inappropriate.

"Further, a caution would not reflect the undoubted seriousness of these matters. As Mr Gazeley's default has been one of dishonesty it would not be sensible to impose a condition of practice that he behave honestly.

"The panel considers that there is a realistic prospect that there will be no repetition of the behaviour of the type which has led to Mr Gazeley being here today. In all the circumstances, but particularly in view of the medical evidence and Mr Gazeley's attempts to seek help, the panel considers that it would be disproportionate to make a striking-off order.

"However, that still leaves a very serious issue, and one which in the view of this panel merits a suspension order for 12 months. That order and period of it is necessary to reflect the gravity of the offences and to reassure the public that this behaviour will be dealt with appropriately.