Health worker cautioned over bottom slaps

Peter Lines, a senior operating department practitioner with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust, slapped the nurse, known only as SR, on the right buttock one day and the left the next, a conduct and competence committee of the Health Professions Council in London was told.

Panel chairman Clare Reggiori said there was a low risk that the misconduct would be repeated and the sanction would act as a deterrent to others.

The panel members also had regard to Mr Lines's expression of regret for what happened, his co-operation with police and that there had been no repetition of the misconduct.

They had found the facts alleged against him proved except the claim that he left a hand print or bruising the first time he slapped her, and said that his fitness to practise was impaired.

Mary Page, for the council, said Mr Lines, who was not present or represented, accepted a police caution for common assault.

Miss Page said that on December 17, 2007 he came across the complainant SR, who was standing with a colleague, and slapped her on the buttock. Mr Lines said that pleasantries were exchanged, while a witness said he just came up behind her and slapped her.

Mr Lines said it was a friendly gesture, Miss Page said.

The following day, Mr Lines saw SR again, and said he wanted to have a look, to see whether there was a mark. "Peter Lines says this request was meant to be jovial."

A few minutes later, SR was leaning over the admissions desk while booking in a patient, and Mr Lines slapped her left buttock.

SR walked off with tears in her eyes and Mr Lines walked off shaking

his hand as if it had hurt him, she said.

Mr Lines had said it was friendly banter between them.