Physio tells hearing of ‘shock’ at complaints by female colleagues
A physiotherapist accused of harassing and engaging in inappropriate behaviour with two female colleagues at a HSE centre in Co Tipperary has told a fitness-to-practise inquiry that he was “completely shocked” to learn about complaints about his conduct.
The physio, Sarath Divakaran, told the third day of the inquiry being held by Coru – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals – that he was only ever trying to be “friendly” and “jovial” with the two women.
Mr Divakaran is accused of 18 separate allegations of professional misconduct in relation to his behaviour with his two colleagues – identified only as Miss A and Miss B – at various times between 2019 and 2022 at South Tipperary Therapy Services in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. They include allegations of unwanted physical touching and making comments of a sexual nature.
At the start of the inquiry, Coru’s fitness-to-practise committee was told Mr Divakaran admitted, in hindsight, he had sometimes crossed professional boundaries but denied engaging in any harassment or conduct of a sexual nature. The physio claimed his actions were “misinterpreted and gravely misunderstood”.
Cross-examined by counsel for Coru, Neasa Bird BL, Mr Divakaran denied making inappropriate physical contact with Miss A because he was attracted to her.
Both women had cried several times in earlier evidence over the impact that the physio’s unwanted attention had on them.
Giving evidence yesterday, Mr Divakaran said he did not realise he was making Miss A feel uncomfortable. He said he was also “totally shocked” to learn that Miss A believed he was watching her movements.
He strenuously denied touching Miss A in her pubic area.
In relation to Miss B, the physio told the inquiry he regarded her as a friend. However, he accepted he had called in to her office on several occasions when he had no professional reasons to do so.
He also admitted making comments about her clothes but which he stressed were not intended as negative or derogatory.
The inquiry previously heard the DPP had directed no prosecution should arise after gardaí investigated a complaint.
Mr Divakaran, a married father of one, has worked in Ireland since 2003. He is currently employed at the National Tongue Tie Centre in Knocklofty, Co Tipperary.
The inquiry was adjourned until a date later this month