A former radiographer at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has been banned after pulling down a patient’s shorts without permission.
Melbin Thankachan was employed by the West Derby-based hospital between July and December 2022 before resigning from his position at the end of the year.
The former registrar was subject to an 18-month interim suspension order after concerns were raised by multiple radiographers about his communication skills.
It was alleged that Mr Thankachan had used his phone to type what he wanted to say due to his spoken English or understanding of the English language being poor.
Just days before his resignation in December 2022, it was revealed that he did not know how to ask a patient’s mother to remove their babygro
Three months earlier, Mr Thankachan did not consult with another patient or their parents about pulling down their shorts or consult another before tying her gown.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust made a referral to the Health and Care Professions Council in March 2023 about their former radiographer’s conduct.
Mr Thankachan was subject to an 18-month interim suspension that took effect in August that year which was extended in February 2025 and again earlier this year.
In July 2025, he confirmed that he wanted to be removed from the register but only confirmed this January the allegations against him about a lack of competence.
A Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service panel deemed the allegations 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.’