CORU, the organisation which regulates health and social care professions, took successful High Court proceedings against two women trading as licensed therapists without being entitled to do so.
CORU’s role is to protect the public through regulating the health and social care professions listed in the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, including occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.
Directors
The High Court proceedings were against Lisa O'Driscoll, Coolkellure, Legenaghmore, Cork and Emma Power, Mount Oval, Rochestown, Cork, both directors of Bright Speech and Occupational Therapy Services Ltd, which trades under the name "Bright SPOTS" in circumstances where Lisa O’Driscoll was using the title ‘speech and language therapist’ and Emma Power was using the title ‘occupational therapist’ when neither is entitled to do so.
The business was operated from Unit 7a, South Ring Business Park, Cork and offered speech, language and occupational therapy services for children.
Complaints
Following complaints from members of the public, CORU conducted an investigation and was satisfied that Lisa O'Driscoll and Emma Power were using the titles while not registered with CORU, which is a criminal offence.
CORU sought an injunction from the High Court requiring both individuals to cease and desist from using the titles.
On 20 January, Lisa O'Driscoll and Emma Power provided undertakings to the High Court confirming that that they will cease and desist from using the titles whilst not registered with CORU.
Undertakings
They also provided various other undertakings, including that they would, within 14 days, inform all previous and existing clients that they are not entitled to use the titles, and that at no time while providing services in the State were they registered to do so, as they have never been registered with CORU.
CORU says it will take enforcement action against any person who uses a protected title in circumstances where he or she is not registered with CORU and may also institute criminal proceedings.