Full Breakdown
Paramedic Natalie Twomey Struck Off for Fabricating Illness to Secure Day Off
12/28/2025, 9:14:58 PM
Core Event: Fabrication of Illness Leads to Professional Misconduct
Natalie Twomey, a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service (LAS), has been struck off after a tribunal found she fabricated a family illness to obtain a day off work. On November 28, 2022, Twomey emailed her supervisors claiming her sister's health had "deteriorated again," necessitating her travel to Norfolk. However, the LAS discovered Facebook posts from Twomey's sister that depicted her home decorated for Christmas on the same day, contradicting Twomey's claims. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal deemed her actions as deceitful and for personal gain, stating she had "deliberately provided misleading information" to excuse her absence.
Background & Context: Previous Incidents and Misconduct
The tribunal's findings were not isolated. Twomey had previously been removed from front-line duties in June 2023 after arriving at work smelling of alcohol. Furthermore, during a capability meeting in April 2023, she falsely claimed her sister was in an intensive therapy unit and attributed the Facebook posts to her sister's husband. The panel concluded that Twomey was aware her sister was not ill on the date in question.
Consequences of Misconduct: Dismissal and Legal Issues
Twomey's misconduct extended beyond the fabricated illness. She was dismissed from the LAS at the end of 2023 due to her "capability and failure to attend work regularly." During a subsequent job interview, she misrepresented her employment history, claiming she had never faced disciplinary actions or dismissals, despite being aware of an ongoing investigation by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
In April 2024, while working at a police investigation center, Twomey was required to take a breath test after an officer detected alcohol on her breath. She was subsequently arrested and cautioned for driving over the prescribed limit, leading to a conviction at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
Official Statements & Responses
The tribunal panel characterized Twomey's conduct as "sufficiently serious to amount to misconduct," resulting in her removal from the professional register. They concluded that a "Striking Off Order" was the appropriate sanction for her actions.
Criticism & Opposition: Perspectives on Professional Accountability
While the tribunal's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining professional standards within the healthcare sector, some critics argue that the penalties may not adequately address the broader implications of such misconduct on public trust in emergency services. The case raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
“The message conveyed by the photographs of Christmas decorations was inconsistent with the registrant's sister being sick to the extent that the registrant had to drive to Norfolk to be with her, rather than attend to her responsibilities at work.” — Health and Care Professions Tribunal
“The panel concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case was a Striking Off Order,” — Health and Care Professions Tribunal
This case underscores the importance of accountability in the healthcare profession, particularly for those in critical roles such as paramedics.
