Health and Care Professions Council determination — review hearing
HCPTS extends James Hughes's suspension for four months
The paramedic showed improved insight but lacked sufficient evidence of remediation and readiness to return to practice.
MedicWatch editorial · Published 14 June 2024 · Updated 23 September 2026
Suspension (suspended from practice) — 4 months
Data last checked: 23 September 2026Report a correction
What does “suspended from practice” mean?
The regulator imposed a fixed-term suspension in this decision. Its start date, appeal provisions and any later review affect whether it is currently in force. Check the official register for the practitioner's current status.
Concerning James J Hughes, paramedic (Health and Care Professions Council PA22651).
Decision date: 14 June 2024 · Hearing started 14 June 2024
In plain English
The HCPTS panel extended paramedic James Hughes's suspension for four months. He had made progress in understanding his dishonesty, but had not supplied enough evidence of remediation, current professional learning or how he would safely return after three years away from paramedic work. The panel found his fitness to practise remained impaired.
Charges
Mr Hughes practised while unregistered, did not tell his employer or the HCPC about relevant matters, omitted a drink-driving conviction and disciplinary history from a readmission application, and acted dishonestly.
Findings
The panel found improved but incomplete insight and insufficient evidence of remediation, current paramedic learning, testimonials or a planned return to practice. His fitness to practise remained impaired on personal and public-interest grounds. It extended suspension for four months to allow further reflection and documentary evidence.
Source
All facts on this page are drawn from the publicly published Health and Care Professions Council determination linked below. MedicWatch does not editorialise the regulator’s findings.
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