Laura Mcarthur
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Allegation
The allegation against you is as follows:
As a registered Occupational Therapist your fitness to practise is impaired by reason of misconduct and/or a health condition, in that:
- On 18 August 2021 you attended work whilst intoxicated due to alcohol.
- You have a physical and/ or mental health condition as set out in Schedule A
- The matters described at particular 1 above constitutes misconduct.
- By reason of your misconduct and/ or health your fitness to practise is impaired.
Schedule A
Redacted
Finding
Preliminary Matters
Application for private hearing
1. Ms Collins for the HCPC applied to conduct the entire hearing in private given the significant health and personal issues that arise. This was not opposed by Mr Shadenbury for the Registrant.
2. The Panel was mindful that there are significant issues about the Registrant’s health issues in this case. Having taken advice from the Legal Assessor as to the interests of justice, the Panel concluded that it was in the interests of justice and appropriate in this case to depart from the open justice principle and to conduct the entire hearing in private in order to protect the Registrant’s private life.
[redacted]
Panel’s Decision
3. The Panel was of the view that in these circumstances, there is no public interest in requiring the Registrant to be subject to a full fitness to practise hearing. The Panel was satisfied that the proposed nine month suspension order will secure the protection of the public and that it properly reflects the seriousness of the allegations. The Panel was satisfied that a well informed and reasonable member of the public would not be concerned and would consider a nine month suspension order proportionate and that it appropriately reflects the seriousness and the circumstances of this health case. The Panel was satisfied therefore that the Consent Order would not undermine public confidence in the profession or the regulator.
4. The Panel decided to agree in principle to the Consent Order for disposal of the health allegation (FTP83602) and for the imposition of a nine month Suspension Order. This decision is, however, conditional on the Consensual Disposal form being signed and returned by the Registrant to the HCPC within 14 days of this hearing. It was satisfied that full consent has been given by the Registrant, as required, but the signed form is a required to record that consent. The Consent Order is appended hereto as Appendix A.
[redacted]
Order
The Consensual Disposal Form was received from the Registrant within 14 days per the Panel's directions.
ORDER: The Registrar is directed to suspend the registration of Laura Mcarthur for a period of 9 months from the date this Order comes into effect.
Notes
No notes available
Hearing History
History of Hearings for Laura Mcarthur
| Date | Panel | Hearing type | Outcomes / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/12/2024 | Health Committee | Final Hearing | Suspended |