In a disturbing incident that highlights the importance of patient safety and ethical conduct in healthcare, a radiographer at a renowned children's hospital has been removed from the health care professionals register for pulling down a patient's shorts without permission. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of failing to adhere to basic ethical standards in medical practice.
Melbin Thankachan, employed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, was placed on an informal performance plan due to concerns raised by colleagues about his conduct and communication skills. The incident that led to his removal from the register occurred in September 2022 when he pulled down the shorts of a young patient without consulting them or their parents. This act, while seemingly minor, demonstrates a lack of respect for patient autonomy and a disregard for the importance of obtaining consent, which are fundamental principles in healthcare.
The case took a more serious turn in December 2022 when Thankachan was unable to ask a patient's mother how to remove their babygrow and was alleged to have not sought consent from a patient before tying her gown. These incidents underscore the critical nature of communication and consent in medical interactions, especially with vulnerable populations such as children.
Furthermore, Thankachan's poor understanding of the English language and his inability to articulate important medical instructions, such as the requirement for a patient to be sent to the orthopaedic clinic following an x-ray examination, raised significant concerns. His struggles with communication not only impacted his ability to provide effective care but also created a challenging work environment for his colleagues.
The situation escalated when Thankachan sent a threatening email to a former colleague in August 2023, further highlighting his challenges in maintaining professional relationships. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) took action, imposing an 18-month interim suspension order in August 2023, which was extended by the High Court on multiple occasions. This suspension was based on the grounds of public protection, recognizing the potential risks associated with his conduct.
In April 2024, Thankachan expressed his willingness to voluntarily remove his registration, acknowledging his readiness for this step in July 2025. This decision followed a thorough investigation by the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) investigating committee panel, which determined that there was a case to answer. In January 2026, he admitted to the allegations, confirming that his fitness to practise was impaired due to misconduct and lack of competence.
The HCPTS hearing, held in the previous month, described the allegations as serious and wide-ranging, encompassing failures in basic clinical decision-making and communication issues with both colleagues and patients, including children. Despite the severity of the allegations, the panel found no public interest in examining them further, and they were accepted as true and will remain on the registrant's record.
Thankachan's failure to attend the hearing and his insistence on voluntary removal from the register demonstrate a lack of accountability and a disregard for the consequences of his actions. His name has been removed from the register of radiographers, and full remediation would be required before he could regain registration. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct, effective communication, and respect for patient autonomy in the healthcare profession.
In my opinion, this incident highlights the need for rigorous training and ongoing support for healthcare professionals, especially those working with vulnerable populations. It also underscores the critical role of supervision and feedback in ensuring that medical practitioners adhere to the highest standards of care and ethical conduct. As an expert commentator, I believe that incidents like this should prompt a reevaluation of training programs and a renewed focus on fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability within the healthcare system.
