'Incompetent' physio struck off

A physiotherapist has been struck off by the Health Professions Council (HPC) for incompetence and misconduct.

Arul V Rathina was employed by Devon Primary Care Trust at Totnes Community Hospital, Devon, in 2005.

The HPC panel said Mr Rathina's put a patient at risk by administering inappropriate and unsupervised treatment.

Panel chairman Gordon Sutehall said Mr Rathina had shown a "reckless disregard for patient safety".

Totnes hospital said Mr Rathina's had been appointed after a "vigorous interview and employment check".

"Unfortunately, he failed to come up to the required standard despite being offered support by the trust," manager Hazel Wills said.

"We have a duty of care to patients and need to ensure that our staff meet the expected standard and levels of competency."

Ms Wills said Mr Rathina was referred to the HPC shortly after resigning from the Devon Primary Care Trust voluntarily in February 2007.