A radiographer who worked at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has been removed from the professional register after a tribunal found he pulled down a young patient’s shorts without consent. A review found that Melbin Thankachan was unable to communicate effectively with patients, as his spoken English and understanding of the language were poor.
The tribunal highlighted incidents, including one in September 2022, where the former NHS medic “did not consult with the patient and/or their parents before pulling down their shorts”. In other incidents, he did not seek consent before tying a female patient’s gown, and was asked by another patient to repeat himself multiple times because they could not understand what he was saying.
Documents released by the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service showed that on another occasion, he did not know how to ask a patient’s mother to remove their baby grow.
He was also said to have been “unable to work autonomously and/or required supervision from another radiographer at all times” while working at Alder Hey between July 4 2022 and December 18 2022.
A colleague reported incidents in which Mr Thankachan spoke too quickly and had to use his phone to type what he wanted to say.
He also sent another colleague “an email which was threatening in nature”.
An HCPTS panel described the allegations as serious and wide-ranging.
Mr Thankachan indicated before the hearing that he wanted to be voluntarily removed from the register.
It was agreed that his name would be removed from the list of registered radiographers on the grounds of public protection.
The panel noted that the allegations had been « fully admitted and will remain on the Registrant’s record should he, in the future apply for re-admission to the register ».
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