Dental Professionals Hearings Service determination — review hearing
GDC extends Lucy Symes's suspension after review of hospital misconduct findings
The GDC committee extended dental nurse Lucy Symes's suspension for nine months after finding continuing impairment. It said she had provided no further evidence of insight or remediation.
MedicWatch editorial · Published 3 September 2026 · Updated 22 September 2026
Suspension (suspended from practice) — 9 months
Data last checked: 22 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 Lucy Ann Symes, dental nurse (General Dental Council 234518).
Decision date: 3 September 2026 · Hearing started 3 September 2026
In plain English
The GDC tribunal decided that Lucy Ann Symes's fitness to practise remained impaired and extended her suspension for nine months. The review followed earlier findings about interference with hospital care and behaviour towards staff. The committee said it had received no further evidence of insight or steps to address the misconduct. The extension runs from the existing order's expiry on 10 September 2026, subject to appeal, with another review required.
Charges
Review of suspension following earlier findings that Ms Symes interfered with a patient's hospital care by removing a cannula and providing aspirin, and behaved in a hostile, confrontational and intimidating or threatening manner towards hospital staff. Those findings were made at the initial hearing in January and February 2026.
Findings
The reviewing committee found continuing impairment on public protection and public interest grounds. It had no further evidence of remediation or insight and gave limited weight to two testimonials. It extended suspension for nine months from the existing order's expiry on 10 September 2026, subject to appeal, with a further review. A separate concern remained at investigation stage; this review did not determine it.
Source
All facts on this page are drawn from the publicly published Dental Professionals Hearings Service determination linked below. MedicWatch does not editorialise the regulator’s findings.
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