Paramedic struck off for risking patient to save his partner time

A PARAMEDIC accused of deliberately diverting an ambulance to the wrong hospital so his girlfriend could go home early has been struck off.

Scott Sloan sent a patient with suspected meningitis to a hospital that was ill-equipped to deal with his condition.

He claimed there was a bed shortage at the Royal Infirmary of Dumfries and Galloway, and told his colleagues to go to the Galloway Medical Centre, in Stranraer, instead.

In doing so, he saved the ambulance crew - which included his then partner - about three and a half hours on their journey. He initially lied about the incident.

At a hearing before the Health Professions Council in Edinburgh yesterday it was decided Mr Sloan should no longer be allowed to practice as a paramedic because of the seriousness of his actions.

The panel ruled that he had risked the life of the patient through his behaviour, and could have broken the confidence that the public had in the medical profession.

Mr Sloan was removed from the register and banned from taking up similar employment elsewhere during the 28-day appeal period.