Health and Care Professions Council determination — review hearing
HCPTS panel extends Maria Efthymiou's suspension over assessment failings
An HCPTS panel suspended occupational therapist Maria Efthymiou for a further 12 months after finding limited insight and a real risk of repetition.
MedicWatch editorial · Published 4 June 2025 · Updated 23 September 2026
Suspension (suspended from practice) — 1 year
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 Maria Efthymiou, occupational therapist (Health and Care Professions Council OT27482).
Decision date: 4 June 2025 · Hearing started 4 June 2025
In plain English
The HCPTS panel found that Maria Efthymiou remained impaired after earlier findings about inadequate occupational therapy assessments and record keeping. It found limited insight, insufficient targeted training and a real risk of repetition. The panel suspended her registration for a further 12 months from 19 June 2025 while the parties could also explore a voluntary removal agreement.
Charges
Historic proved allegations concerned inadequate assessment, review and recording for Patient A, including functional, cognitive and physical abilities, skin, transfer, pressure care and engagement; not reviewing notes or ensuring equipment was ordered; and not carrying out a postural management assessment for Patient B. The failings were found to amount to misconduct.
Findings
The reviewing panel found that Maria Efthymiou remained impaired on personal and public grounds. It found her insight remained limited, she had not completed targeted training or remediation, and there was a real risk of repetition. The panel extended her suspension for 12 months from 19 June 2025, allowing the parties to explore voluntary removal while protecting the public.
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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