A PARAMEDIC with mental Health problems, who stole pain killing gas from his employers, has been suspended for a further six months.

Dale Stowe was given a police caution for stealing two Entonox cylinders, in October last year.

Stowe, of Mayes Lane, Ramsey, resigned from Harwich Hospital, in March, and was suspended for six months by the Health Professions Council a month later.

The order was extended following a second hearing yesterday.

Victoria Adams, representing the council, said Stowe’s ongoing suspension was essential for public safety.

She said: “This is for the public interest and the interest of the paramedic.

“This is a serious case involving theft from an employer. There are also serious health issues.

“During the course of the trust’s investigation, Stowe revealed he was experiencing mental health problems, back pain and issues with alcohol.

“There has been no new information from Mr Stowe, or from any other party to suggest that if he resumes practising, he wouldn’t be a danger to the public or to himself.”

Raymond Pattison, chairman of the Health Professions Council hearing, said: “The panel has determined that if Mr Stowe continued to practise, there would be a risk to the public, public confidence in the profession, and the regulatory process would be undermined.”

Stowe may now face a fitness to practise hearing next year.

The 54-year-old, employed as an emergency care practitioner by the East of England Ambulance Services NHS Trust at the time of the allegations, did not attend the hearing.