Bournemouth osteopath removed from GOsC Register for persistent dishonesty

A GOsC Professional Conduct Committee found his fitness to practise impaired by virtue of his conviction for repeated offences involving the avoidance of fixed penalty notices contrary to the Fraud Act 2006, as well as his persistently dishonest use of disabled persons’ blue badges contrary to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The Committee found that the degree and persistence of Mr Graham’s dishonesty was fundamentally incompatible with practice as an osteopath, and was satisfied that removal was the appropriate and proportionate sanction.

The Committee noted within its decision the strong language used by the Magistrate at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, who described Mr Graham’s offences as “despicable” when passing sentence on him in June 2015.

In deciding the sanction of removal, the Professional Conduct Committee found that the degree and persistence of Mr Graham’s dishonesty was fundamentally incompatible with practice as an osteopath. While mindful of the personal and financial impact a removal order would have upon him, it held that the need to protect the public interest, declare and uphold professional standards and maintain confidence in the profession outweighed the impact upon Mr Graham.

Mr Graham’s removal from the Register has effect from 22 June 2016.

ENDS

For further information, contact:
The GOsC Press Office
Tel: 020 7357 6655 x245
Email: pressoffice@osteopathy.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The full decision is available at: http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/news-and-resources/document-library/fitness-to-practise/nigel-graham-pcc-decision-24-may-2016
   
   
2. Mr Graham’s registration number was 3274.
   
   
3. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the practice of osteopathy in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practice in the UK.
   We work with the public and the profession to promote patient safety by:
   
   • registering qualified professionals
   • setting, maintaining and developing 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
     
     
4. Information on how we deal with concerns or complaints about osteopaths is available at: http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/standards/complaints/our-complaints-process/