DAVID OLIVER SWINDON PARAMEDIC STRUCK OFF FOR SEXUALLY EXPLICIT ONLINE MESSAGES

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the medical and emergency services community, David Oliver, a paramedic with ties to Swindon, has been officially removed from the register maintained by the Health Professions Council following a serious misconduct finding.

Oliver’s professional career was significantly impacted after allegations surfaced that he engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old boy. The conversations reportedly took place on a social networking platform between July and September of 2010, raising grave concerns about his conduct and suitability to serve as a healthcare professional.

Initially, Oliver was employed by the Great Western Ambulance Service, a prominent emergency medical provider in the region. However, in May of the previous year, he was dismissed from his position after an internal investigation confirmed the allegations against him. The investigation was triggered by a woman claiming to be the mother of the minor involved, identified only as ‘TB’. This woman’s report brought the matter to light, prompting disciplinary action and subsequent suspension from the Health Professions Council, which prevented Oliver from practicing as a paramedic within the UK under the official title.

Despite the suspension, Oliver later took on roles outside the public ambulance service. He became a clinical supervisor and operations director for Portsmouth Medical Services, a private ambulance company that provides emergency coverage at various events. However, his association with this firm was short-lived; he was suspended in August of the previous year after the allegations against him were publicly reported by The News. Following the suspension, Oliver eventually left the company, which responded by implementing additional safeguarding measures, including new policies, staff training, and a more rigorous recruitment process involving detailed background checks and references spanning three years or more.

It is noteworthy that Oliver did not attend the misconduct hearing held by the Health Professions Council. Prior to the hearing, he issued a statement denying any sexual intent behind the messages, claiming to be a victim of what he described as ‘malicious and false’ allegations made by someone he referred to as a ‘disgruntled acquaintance’.

However, the panel overseeing the case was unequivocal in its findings. Chairwoman Nicola Bastin stated, ‘The evidence showed that Mr Oliver’s actions were sexually motivated. The panel considered that conduct in which a paramedic used a social networking site for engaging in sexually explicit and sexually motivated messages with a minor fell well below the standards expected of a paramedic. The panel finds that the registrant’s conduct fell short of the standards expected of a registered health professional.’

Gary Oakley, the managing director of Portsmouth Medical Services, also issued a statement, confirming that Oliver no longer works for the company. He added, ‘Once the concerns were raised about David, he was suspended and left the company shortly after. Portsmouth Medical Services have now introduced a safeguarding manager, along with revised policies and additional training for all staff. A new recruitment structure is now in place which includes requiring potential staff members to supply professional references going back three years or more and enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks for all staff.’