Michael Dempsey: Physiotherapist fined for hiring unqualified workers to treat aged care residents

A disgraced physiotherapist hired unqualified workers to treat residents of aged care homes across the southern suburbs.

A disgraced physio has been fined for hiring unregistered workers to treat aged care residents. Picture: Generic

A disgraced physiotherapist who hired two unqualified workers to treat residents at aged care homes in Melbourne south has been slapped with fines.

The unregistered physios gave “complex” pain relief therapy, occupational therapy and massages to residents at several aged care facilities.

Michael Dempsey pleaded guilty in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court to knowingly holding people out as registered occupational therapists and physios, when they were not, at various aged care facilities between April and May 2018.

Magistrate Paul Smith handed Mr Dempsey with a $10,000 fine and ordered him to pay the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) costs of $50,685.

Mr Smith said while no one was hurt as a result of being treated by unqualified workers, Mr Dempsey had knowingly put the community at risk.

The recent case comes after Mr Dempsey was hit with a record $120,000 fine from the Launceston Magistrates’ Court for employing 11 unqualified migrant workers to treat aged care residents in homes across Tasmania.

On that occasion the workers — employed by Dempsey at his company Libero Health Care Pty Ltd — treated 78 patients aged between 67 and 99 from February to May, 2018.

The workers held no relevant qualifications and came from unrelated sectors including hospitality and transport.

AHPRA chief executive Martin Fletcher said the latest ruling was a win for public safety.

“The actions of Mr Dempsey were a gross betrayal of the trust of these aged care residents and we hope this conviction sends a strong message of deterrence to others,” he said.

“This is an important outcome in a disturbing case. The public should trust that when they are told they are seeing an occupational therapist they are indeed being treated by a registered practitioner.”

Physiotherapy Board of Australia chair Kim Gibson said: “public trust and protecting the most vulnerable people in the community is paramount — this matter is upsetting and the board is pleased with this conviction”.

Libero Health Care was placed into liquidation in January 2019 and is no longer trading.

In September 2018, Mr Dempsey’s registration was suspended by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.