Groping physio struck off

STRUCK off . . . David Tregellas

A blind physiotherapist from Oldham who stormed out of disciplinary hearing earlier this month after being found guilty of indecently touching a woman patient, was struck off yesterday.

David Tregellas (62), of Surrey Avenue, High Crompton, who had removed the patient’s bra and knickers had “betrayed patient trust,” said Health Professions Council panel chair Christine Mills.

Emphasising they took no notice of his behaviour at the previous hearing, Mrs Mills said in striking him off: “He showed a total disregard of professional standards and was incompatible with practising in the health profession.”

Identified only as MR, the woman, now 41, told the hearing her visits initially, in early 2002, involved her taking off her top and trousers, leaving her in her bra, knickers and socks.

However, she said that in October, that year Tregellas started to undo her bra straps and pull it down.

She said he also began removing her knickers after a period of time and massaging her ribs and taking hold of her breasts.

Then, on December 17 that year, she said that, with her clothing removed: “He told me to go on all fours.

“He got some cream or gel and began to touch me. I got off the treatment area, got dressed and left.”

Giving evidence Tregellas insisted : “At no stage was she molested in any way, inappropriately, although he said he might have touched her inadvertently.”

Claiming she was “never, ever naked” and always had her bra and pants on, he repeated: “No, no,” when asked about the specific allegations.

However, he admitted it was “likely” she was on all fours for mobilisation.

Despite his denials he was found guilty of behaving in an inappropriate manner, failing to communicate properly, failing to gain informed consent, failing to keep adequate records and providing inappropriate treatment.

Tregellas was not present for yesterday’s hearing.