Latest news with #CORU
Extra.ie
06-07-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Trinity and UCD students 'shocked' to learn their degrees aren't accredited
Students at two of the country's most prestigious universities were 'shocked' to learn their high-points degree courses are not accredited by the national regulatory body. It has also emerged that Trinity College Dublin and UCD have not even applied to get their Biomedical Science Degree accredited by CORU, the State regulator for health and social care professionals. The university courses lack accreditation because they do not provide the practical, hands-on training required for medical science professions. University College Dublin. Pic: File This means Trinity and UCD biomedical science degrees are not considered fully qualified by the industry regulator. A CORU spokesperson told 'It is the responsibility of individual education providers to apply for programme approval, and CORU has not received an application for approval for these programmes.' Jagoda Ennis, who is heading into her fourth year of Biological, Biomedical and Biomolecular Science at UCD – a course that required 566 CAO points when she sat her Leaving Cert in 2022 – said she was never informed about the lack of accreditation. Jagoda Ennis. Pic: Michael Chester She told 'It's nonsense. I'm going into my final year, and I have heard nothing about CORU or that my course isn't registered with it.' Trinity College Dublin offers three biomedical-related undergraduate degrees across different disciplines. These are Human Health and Disease, Biological and Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, none of which are CORU accredited. UCD offers two relevant degrees that are not accredited: Biomedical Health and Life Sciences and Biological, Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, both of which have entry requirements of between 555 and 600 Leaving Cert points. University College Dublin. Pic: File UCD and TCD also offer master's courses in Biomedical Science, which are also not accredited. Ms Ennis, 21, said the other pathways to becoming an accredited biomedical scientist in Ireland are 'difficult'. The Tallaght student said: 'I'd have to do a masters in TUD or Limerick to even get CORU recognised. Otherwise, it costs €410, and they might reject me because I don't meet their requirements. And I'd have to find an internship. There are barely any in Ireland for my course. It makes no sense.' Jennifer Cummins. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Social Democrats education spokeswoman Jen Cummins said she was 'flabbergasted' to learn the courses are not accredited. She told 'If they're offering courses and there is no career progression, that needs to be clarified. If people are paying fees and then they're not able to do what they're supposed to be doing, they need to know that.' Other medical students have chosen to study abroad because of issues in the third-level sector. Dubliner Udaiveer Parihar said he opted to study medicine at University College London (UCL) because of a 'lack of opportunities' and the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT), an admissions test all medicine students are required to take in Irish universities. Mr Parihar told 'The HPAT is a really outdated measure of gauging a person's ability or affinity for medicine and London has a greater and wider scope of opportunities than can be found back at home.' The 19-year-old student said it was 'deeply concerning' to learn that Trinity and UCD biomedical degrees are not accredited. 'It seems almost implied that these institutions would, given their reputation, provide degrees that are aligned with these professional requirements of their field. 'It's a serious oversight that not only misleads students but also contributes to lowered graduate employability.' Mr Parihar also called for greater transparency from Irish universities. He told 'The provision of non-accredited training at a time of healthcare shortages creates a workforce of capable yet unqualified graduates and represents a serious policy failure. There should be more light shed on uncovering the issues present with the academic framework governing these degrees and bringing these programmes into line with guidelines.' In response to queries, Trinity College Dublin said: '[We] are under no obligation to advertise what our course is not. Our students receive a large amount of information on careers in relevant research and other related fields of application and study.' Asked why the university did not apply for accreditation, a spokesperson said the biomedical degree course is 'not a professional course' it is a broader academic course which includes biological sciences'. UCD did not respond to requests for comment. The Department of Further and Higher Education was also contacted for comment.
Sunday World
03-07-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Radiographer banned from conducting X-rays on under 18s over inappropriate behaviour
Peconcillo admitted he had acted in a manner that was not clinically justified or appropriate when he was carrying out a chest X-ray on a 16-year-old girl at Tallaght University Hospital A radiographer who was found guilty of professional misconduct over his inappropriate behaviour in carrying out a chest X-ray on a young female patient whom he later tried to contact via social media has been banned from conducting any radiography services on anyone under 18 for 12 months. The prohibition on carrying out X-rays on children and adolescents apart from exceptional circumstances and then only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner is one of five conditions imposed on the registration of radiographer, Adrian Peconcillo, by CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals. It follows a fitness-to-practise inquiry by CORU earlier this year at which Peconcillo admitted he had acted in a manner that was not clinically justified or appropriate when he was carrying out a chest X-ray on a 16-year-old girl at Tallaght University Hospital on January 25, 2023. The inquiry heard that the patient had come out of the changing area undressed from the waist up and covering her chest due to the failure of Peconcillo to provide her with a hospital gown prior to her undressing. Tallaght Hospital News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, July 3 The radiographer – an Irish citizen who comes originally from the Philippines – was also accused of looking at her in a forward-facing manner whilst her back was against the X-ray board and later inviting her to look at her X-ray while she remained undressed. Evidence was heard that Peconcillo had also sent the teenager one or more follow requests to her Instagram account on the same date that were inappropriate and without any clinical justification. It emerged that the radiographer had tried to contact her with his own Instagram account which was in the name of 'Adrian Wanderman'. He had originally claimed in correspondence with CORU that he had sent the Instagram request to an Australian DJ with the same name as the girl. The girl's father said his daughter had been doing her mock exams at the time and her head was 'all over the place' and she was blaming herself for the incident. The inquiry was held after a formal complaint was made to CORU about Peconcillo's behaviour by the radiography services manager at TUH, Laura Gannon. It heard that Peconcillo was suspended by TUH after the teenager's parents had made a complaint to the hospital and he was subsequently dismissed in April 2023 following an internal investigation. The CORU inquiry heard he has not worked as a radiographer since but had found employment as a phlebotomist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin where he primarily works with geriatric patients but on a salary 50% less than he earned in TUH. The fitness-to-practise committee also found the radiographer's actions constituted breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Radiographers Registration Board. They related to his failure to maintain high standards of personal conduct and behaviour and to use social media responsibly. The committee noted that Peconcillo had shown remorse and recognised his poor judgement in dealing with the young patient. The committee's chairperson, Geraldine Feeney, said they had considered a period of suspension to be the appropriate sanction but had decided against it in circumstances where Mr Peconcillo had not worked as a radiographer for almost two years. The committee rejected an application by his legal representatives for the inquiry to be concluded by his consenting to admonishment and censure and giving an undertaking about his future conduct. Ms Feeney said the seriousness of the proven allegations required some form of sanction. She said the committee also recognised that the incidents had been devastating for the radiographer both professionally and personally after he lost his job and was refused access to his only child by his former partner. The committee observed that there were 'system shortcomings' within TUH that had facilitated Peconcillo's actions albeit they did not excuse such conduct. Other conditions imposed on the radiographer require him to complete courses relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults as well as ones on social media and professional practice and relating to professional ethics, trust, care and dignity in the workplace. All courses have to be completed within 12 months and at his own expense. CORU also required Peconcillo to notify any current or prospective employer about the findings against him and the conditions attached to his registration to practise as a radiographer. The decision to attach conditions to the radiographer's registration was confirmed by the High Court earlier this week.
Irish Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Radiographer banned from conducting X-rays on anyone under 18 for 12 months
A radiographer who was found guilty of professional misconduct over his inappropriate behaviour in carrying out a chest X-ray on a young female patient whom he later tried to contact via social media has been banned from conducting any radiography services on anyone under 18 for 12 months. The prohibition on carrying out X-rays on children and adolescents apart from exceptional circumstances and then only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner is one of five conditions imposed on the registration of radiographer, Adrian Peconcillo, by CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals. It follows a fitness-to-practise inquiry by CORU earlier this year at which Peconcillo admitted he had acted in a manner that was not clinically justified or appropriate when he was carrying out a chest X-ray on a 16-year-old girl at Tallaght University Hospital on January 25, 2023. The inquiry heard that the patient had come out of the changing area undressed from the waist up and covering her chest due to the failure of Peconcillo to provide her with a hospital gown prior to her undressing. The radiographer – an Irish citizen who comes originally from the Philippines – was also accused of looking at her in a forward-facing manner whilst her back was against the X-ray board and later inviting her to look at her X-ray while she remained undressed. Evidence was heard that Peconcillo had also sent the teenager one or more follow requests to her Instagram account on the same date that were inappropriate and without any clinical justification. It emerged that the radiographer had tried to contact her with his own Instagram account which was in the name of 'Adrian Wanderman'. He had originally claimed in correspondence with CORU that he had sent the Instagram request to an Australian DJ with the same name as the girl. The girl's father said his daughter had been doing her mock exams at the time and her head was 'all over the place' and she was blaming herself for the incident. The inquiry was held after a formal complaint was made to CORU about Peconcillo's behaviour by the radiography services manager at TUH, Laura Gannon. It heard that Peconcillo was suspended by TUH after the teenager's parents had made a complaint to the hospital and he was subsequently dismissed in April 2023 following an internal investigation. The CORU inquiry heard he has not worked as a radiographer since but had found employment as a phlebotomist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin where he primarily works with geriatric patients but on a salary 50% less than he earned in TUH. The fitness-to-practise committee also found the radiographer's actions constituted breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Radiographers Registration Board. They related to his failure to maintain high standards of personal conduct and behaviour and to use social media responsibly. The committee noted that Peconcillo had shown remorse and recognised his poor judgement in dealing with the young patient. The committee's chairperson, Geraldine Feeney, said they had considered a period of suspension to be the appropriate sanction but had decided against it in circumstances where Mr Peconcillo had not worked as a radiographer for almost two years. The committee rejected an application by his legal representatives for the inquiry to be concluded by his consenting to admonishment and censure and giving an undertaking about his future conduct. Ms Feeney said the seriousness of the proven allegations required some form of sanction. She said the committee also recognised that the incidents had been devastating for the radiographer both professionally and personally after he lost his job and was refused access to his only child by his former partner. The committee observed that there were 'system shortcomings' within TUH that had facilitated Peconcillo's actions albeit they did not excuse such conduct. Other conditions imposed on the radiographer require him to complete courses relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults as well as ones on social media and professional practice and relating to professional ethics, trust, care and dignity in the workplace. All courses have to be completed within 12 months and at his own expense. CORU also required Peconcillo to notify any current or prospective employer about the findings against him and the conditions attached to his registration to practise as a radiographer. The decision to attach conditions to the radiographer's registration was confirmed by the High Court earlier this week.
BreakingNews.ie
03-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Radiographer temporarily banned from doing X-rays on under 18s over behaviour towards teen
A radiographer who was found guilty of professional misconduct over his inappropriate behaviour in carrying out a chest X-ray on a young female patient, whom he later tried to contact via social media, has been banned from conducting any radiography services on anyone under 18 for 12 months. The prohibition on carrying out X-rays on children and adolescents apart from exceptional circumstances and then only under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner is one of five conditions imposed on the registration of radiographer, Adrian Peconcillo, by CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals. Advertisement It follows a fitness-to-practise inquiry by CORU earlier this year at which Peconcillo admitted he had acted in a manner that was not clinically justified or appropriate when he was carrying out a chest X-ray on a 16-year-old girl at Tallaght University Hospital on January 25th, 2023. The inquiry heard that the patient had come out of the changing area undressed from the waist up and covering her chest due to the failure of Peconcillo to provide her with a hospital gown prior to her undressing. The radiographer – an Irish citizen who comes originally from the Philippines – was also accused of looking at her in a forward-facing manner whilst her back was against the X-ray board and later inviting her to look at her X-ray while she remained undressed. Evidence was heard that Peconcillo had also sent the teenager one or more follow requests to her Instagram account on the same date that were inappropriate and without any clinical justification. Advertisement It emerged that the radiographer had tried to contact her with his own Instagram account which was in the name of 'Adrian Wanderman'. He had originally claimed in correspondence with CORU that he had sent the Instagram request to an Australian DJ with the same name as the girl. The girl's father said his daughter had been doing her mock exams at the time and her head was 'all over the place' and she was blaming herself for the incident. The inquiry was held after a formal complaint was made to CORU about Peconcillo's behaviour by the radiography services manager at TUH, Laura Gannon. Advertisement It heard that Peconcillo was suspended by TUH after the teenager's parents had made a complaint to the hospital and he was subsequently dismissed in April 2023 following an internal investigation. The CORU inquiry heard he has not worked as a radiographer since but had found employment as a phlebotomist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin where he primarily works with geriatric patients but on a salary 50% less than he earned in TUH. The fitness-to-practise committee also found the radiographer's actions constituted breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics adopted by the Radiographers Registration Board. They related to his failure to maintain high standards of personal conduct and behaviour and to use social media responsibly. Advertisement The committee noted that Peconcillo had shown remorse and recognised his poor judgement in dealing with the young patient. The committee's chairperson, Geraldine Feeney, said they had considered a period of suspension to be the appropriate sanction but had decided against it in circumstances where Mr Peconcillo had not worked as a radiographer for almost two years. The committee rejected an application by his legal representatives for the inquiry to be concluded by his consenting to admonishment and censure and giving an undertaking about his future conduct. Ms Feeney said the seriousness of the proven allegations required some form of sanction. Advertisement She said the committee also recognised that the incidents had been devastating for the radiographer both professionally and personally after he lost his job and was refused access to his only child by his former partner. The committee observed that there were 'system shortcomings' within TUH that had facilitated Peconcillo's actions albeit they did not excuse such conduct. Other conditions imposed on the radiographer require him to complete courses relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults as well as ones on social media and professional practice and relating to professional ethics, trust, care and dignity in the workplace. All courses have to be completed within 12 months and at his own expense. CORU also required Peconcillo to notify any current or prospective employer about the findings against him and the conditions attached to his registration to practise as a radiographer. The decision to attach conditions to the radiographer's registration was confirmed by the High Court earlier this week.
Sunday World
16-06-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Psychologist accused of using 'fake' qualifications still offering autism assessments
Caroline Goldsmith continues to advertise autism assessments for both children and adults. A psychologist accused of using 'fake' qualifications to get work has again been forced to explain claims of unearned academic expertise. Caroline Goldsmith previously apologised for using the title 'doctor' after featuring in an RTE documentary about unregulated psychologists. Now it has emerged her company's website wrongly claimed she had a degree in psychology from University College Dublin and 'pursued' a master's degree in clinical psychology from Trinity College Dublin. It also stated she 'proceeded to the prestigious King's College London to conduct her Doctoral research in the field of neurological and developmental conditions, furthering her intellectual pursuit'. Goldsmith, also known as Caroline Ward Fahey, is listed online by the Irish Resilience Clinic as their psychologist. The firm says on its website it offers 'full diagnostic and assessment services 'and that 'all mental health issues of children and adults are addressed here'. Caroline Goldsmith, also know, as Caroline Ward Fahey News in 90 Seconds - 15th June 2025 One of the two directors of the company is listed as Caroline Fahey with the Company Records Office and was set up in October last year using an address in Dublin city-centre. When contacted about the claims on a company webpage, it was stated the fault lay with a website editor using artificial intelligence. In statement signed 'IRC' it was stated that 'we have taken immediate steps to correct the article and ensure that all referenced qualifications are accurate and appropriately sourced.' 'The original error was due to a publishing oversight by one of our site editors, and we sincerely regret any confusion, which appears to have been due to AI generated content which picked up any reference to people with the same name.' Ms Goldsmith continues to advertise autism assessments for both children and adults. Psychology is not regulated in Ireland by the Government body CORU that regulates and health and social care professions in the country. A process to regulate the area of psychology has been ongoing since 2007 but has yet to be completed. In a response to a written question in the Dail last month, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, told TD Claire Kerrane it 'is a complex and lengthy process'. She added there had been 'significant progress' that three areas of psychology, clinical, counselling and educational psychology will be handled by CORU 'in the near future.' Ms Goldsmith featured in an RTÉ Investigates documentary in 2023 on the lack of regulation in the area of psychology. The programme found she had used two different certificates of a doctorate, including one from an organisation that was simply purchased online They revealed that she had been contracted by Tusla through a recruitment firm to carry out assessments based on her CV, that include a doctorate from an American university. Although she declined to take part in the RTE programme, she later posted a video on YouTube in which she included an apology. 'This was a personal error of significant proportion which I deeply regret.' 'I voluntarily ceased to use the PhD title of 'doctor' even though this was not illegal or against any regulations, I do feel I let myself down.' 'I realise this may have disappointed others, and I recognise their feelings in this regard.' Her current firm, the Irish Resilience Clinic, list all her educational achievements with links to photographs of the certificates, including two Masters of Science in 2021 and 2016. Another page on the website, now deleted, stated she has a degree in psychology from University College Dublin and 'pursued' a master's degree in clinical psychology from Trinity College Dublin. It continued that she 'proceeded to the prestigious King's College London to conduct her Doctoral research in the field of neurological and developmental conditions, furthering her intellectual pursuit.' The website describes her as 'a psychologist with over 23 years of experience' and 'extensive clinical experience and is well-versed in various therapeutic approaches.' The Sunday World previously revealed how she had offered to stand bail for her son, Hassan Bal when charged with fund-raising for Islamic State in 2017. The following year, then aged 26, Bal was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Waterford Circuit Court after pleading guilty to two charges of providing and attempting to provide funding for Isis. It emerged at his trial that Hassan Bal had sent €400 of his own cash to Isis and had tried to organise the collection of an envelope of cash in London for Isis in what turned out to be a sting by an investigative journalist.
