Ms Pauline E Pattinson

Preliminary matters

Service

1. The Panel found that there had been good service of the notice of hearing dated 1 February 2021, sent to the Registrant’s address as it appears on the HCPC register by email; and confirmed to have been delivered on 2 February 2021.

Proceeding in private

2. There was an application by the Presenting Officer that the hearing should be held entirely in private.  The application was advanced on the basis that the protection of the private life of the Registrant required such a direction as the hearing relates to confidential matters concerning her health.  The Panel accepted this application and made the direction sought.  This determination should similarly be treated as a private determination.
Accordingly, this is the redacted version of the decision.

Decision on Sanction

4. The Panel concludes that a Suspension Order for 12 months is the appropriate sanction. Suspension is required, in view of the seriousness of the Registrant’s health condition, in order to protect the public and the reputation of the profession. This will give her the opportunity to access the support and help she needs.

5. The reviewing panel is likely to be assisted by the Registrant’s attendance at the review hearing. This should enable the Registrant to demonstrate the pathway to her recovery.

The Registrar is directed to suspend the registration of Ms Pauline E Pattinson for a period of 12 months from the date this order comes into effect.

Right of Appeal

You may appeal to the High Court in England and Wales against the Panel’s decision and the order it has made against you.
Under Article 29(10) of the Health Professions Order 2001, any appeal must be made within 28 days of the date when this notice is served on you.  The Panel’s order will not take effect until the appeal period has expired or, if you appeal, until that appeal is disposed of or withdrawn.

Reasons for the making of an interim suspension order:

Following the announcement of the sanction and the Registrant’s right of appeal, the Presenting Officer applied for an interim suspension order. The Panel was satisfied that it was appropriate to consider the HCPC’s application for an interim order in the absence of the Registrant because she had been informed by the notice of hearing that such an application might be made, and she has not responded with regard to that warning. The Panel accepted the advice of the Legal Assessor to consider whether an interim order was necessary to protect the public and in the public interest because of the nature and seriousness of the findings made. If the Panel identifies clear public interest concerns that is a factor in favour of proceeding in the Registrant’s absence.

The Panel finds it is unlikely that an adjournment would secure the Registrant’s attendance and is satisfied that it is appropriate to direct that the Registrant’s registration should be suspended on an interim basis.  This order is required for the protection of the public, and a fair minded member of the public would be dismayed by the absence of such a restriction.  The Panel has concluded that the appropriate length of the interim suspension order is 18 months, as an interim order would continue to be required pending the resolution of an appeal, in the event of the Registrant giving notice of an appeal with the 28 day period. 

History of Hearings for Ms Pauline E Pattinson