Wednesday, May 11, 2011
** UK medic struck off for molesting unconscious female patient
** Saskatchewan medics reject latest contract offer
UNITED KINGDOM NEWS
** An Exeter paramedic, who was cleared of sexual assault in court last April, has, nevertheless, been struck off for apparently groping an unconscious patient in his care. That is the word from the Daily Mail (May 10) which said prehospital worker Robert Steadman, 45, allegedly touched the Devon woman’s groin as he transported her to hospital on February 14, 2009;the 35-year-old had collapsed in a pub. According to the newspaper, Steadman’s female partner, who agreed to drive despite it being her turn to attend, witnessed him spread the woman’s legs and touch her groin. As the ambulance approached the hospital’s driveway, he ceased from his actions. He later explained that he was holding the patient’s legs to prevent her from breaking free of restraints. A spokesman for the Health Professions Council said he found Steadman’s testimony lacking in credibility.
CANADA NEWS
** Paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers with the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) are looking for third party arbitration after rejecting the government’s latest contract offer Tuesday. Newstalk 650 (CKOM/Bre McAdam/May 10) quoted HSAS president Cathy Dickson as thumbing her nose at the proposal, saying overworked practitioners earn the lowest wages of all their Western Canadian colleagues. The Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) had offered 16 per cent over four years, with 14 per cent rendered upon signing the deal.
