A chiropractor who misdiagnosed a patient and treated her “excessively” has been suspended.

Robert Clad, of the Chiropractic Centre in George Street, Croydon, was also accused of encouraging the patient to disregard advice from another health professional and to cease taking her medication.

Mr Clad was alleged to have influenced the patient to encourage other patients to stay under his care and continue with chiropractic treatment.

He also had a “lack of rationale” for taking x-rays, many of which were non-diagnostic, a hearing of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) on December 19 heard.

The committee heard submissions from Ms Barnfather on behalf of the GCC that an interim suspension order was necessary to protect the public.

Mr Heimler argued on behalf of Mr Clad that his client had “a clear diagnosis and had conducted specific reviews”.

He added there was no independent clinical assessment of any misdiagnosis and Mr Clad had not exercised any unprofessional or undue influence over the patient.

The committee expressed its concern with the length of the treatment period and number of appointments in “the absence of objective improvement to the patient’s condition”.

It also highlighted the alarmist way in which the x-ray findings of the patient were presented to her, these being unsupported by the expert report by Young Radiology Consulting provided by Mr Clad.

The committee noted Mr Clad did not seem to accept any failings on his part despite the apparent difference between his interpretation of the X-rays and those of his expert.

The committee said it was concerned Mr Clad may repeat his behaviour if faced with a similar patient.

It handed Mr Clad a two-month interim suspension, adding it was “the only way to ensure that the public is protected”.