An Indian radiographer hired by a British hospital to treat cancer patients has been declared incompetent and suspended from practising in the UK.
Manik Sharma, who is now thought to be working back in India, was given a contract with Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust following a successful interview over the internet.
But when he started work, the radiographer shocked senior colleagues with his lack of competence and understanding, British daily 'The Telegraph' reported.
Sharma, who is in his 30s, was employed in May last year following the Skype interview but his contract was terminated in July.
His skills were felt to be about the level of a first-year university student so bosses decided to terminate his contract after just two months amid concerns he could put patients at risk, the report said.
Sharma was reported to the Health and Care Professions Council which has now suspended him for failing to meet the required level of competence of a newly qualified radiographer.
Sharma, who would have earned up to 34,000 pounds, even walked out on patients who were undergoing treatment so he could make phone calls.
During a hearing, one of Sharma's senior colleagues said she had not seen such a "lack of fundamental understanding" in her 29 years working for the NHS. The radiographer's work standard was felt to be so poor that he had to be supervised at all times.
Sharma was not present and or represented at the hearing.
Stephen Fash, chairman of the disciplinary panel, said: "It was clear that Sharma never reached a level of competence where he could practice autonomously. He never reached a stage when he could work without constant supervision. The panel has identified a number of serious deficiencies in Sharma's practice. Sharma, who is now thought to be working back in India, was suspended for a year."
A hospital spokesperson said: "The trust dismissed Sharma during his probationary period on the grounds of capability. Our lead for radiotherapy took the decision to report him to the Health and Care Professions Council in order to protect the public and in the best interests of patient safety.
