Full Breakdown
Suspension of Radiographer Melbin Thankachan at Alder Hey Children's Hospital
4/8/2026, 10:39:13 PM
Overview of the Incident
Melbin Thankachan, a former radiographer at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, has been suspended from the profession following serious allegations regarding his conduct and communication skills. Employed from July to December 2022, Thankachan faced multiple complaints about his inability to effectively communicate with patients and their families, culminating in incidents where he failed to obtain consent before performing procedures.
Key Events Leading to Suspension
In September 2022, Thankachan pulled down the shorts of a young patient without consulting them or their parents. This incident was part of a pattern of concerning behavior, including a failure to seek consent from another patient before tying her gown. Colleagues noted that he often struggled with basic clinical decision-making and communication, reportedly relying on his phone to type out what he wanted to say due to his limited proficiency in English. Following these incidents, he resigned from his position in December 2022.
In March 2023, Alder Hey Children's Hospital referred Thankachan to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) due to concerns about his fitness to practice. An interim suspension order was imposed on August 9, 2023, which was extended by the High Court in February 2025 and again in February 2026.
Findings from the HCPC Hearing
A Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) panel reviewed the allegations against Thankachan and described them as "serious" and "wide-ranging." The panel noted a sustained series of failures, including significant issues in clinical decision-making and communication with patients, particularly children. In January 2026, Thankachan admitted to the allegations, acknowledging that his fitness to practice was impaired due to misconduct and lack of competence.
Official Statements & Responses
Thankachan did not attend the HCPTS hearing, opting instead to email the council stating, “I will not attend it. but I need a voluntary removal.” His name has since been removed from the register of radiographers, and he will require full remediation before being eligible for re-registration.
Criticism & Opposition
Concerns have been raised regarding the hospital's oversight of Thankachan's employment, particularly the decision to allow him to work in a clinical setting despite known communication issues. Critics argue that the hospital should have implemented more stringent measures to ensure patient safety.
What's Next
The HCPC has indicated that any future application for re-registration by Thankachan will be contingent upon demonstrating full remediation of his professional competencies. Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation and its implications for patient safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They were wide-ranging, and suggested a sustained series of failures, including alleged failures in basic clinical decision-making but also different concerns regarding communication with colleagues and patients, including children.” — HCPTS Panel Report
- “i will not attend it. but i need a voluntary removal (sic)” — Melbin Thankachan, via email to HCPTS
