A senior radiographer at a private hospital in Rochdale has been struck off after creating 'life-like' 3D images of female patients' genitals using a CT scanner. The Health Care Professions Tribunal Service panel ruled that Ian Hardman, 62, was guilty of serious misconduct for producing the 'sexually-motivated' pictures of six women in December 2023.
The images were discovered during routine imaging housekeeping at Highfield Hospital. The tribunal heard that the scans were taken on 'soft tissue' settings, which enhanced the visualisation of female genitalia, and were created in rapid succession over 33 minutes with no apparent diagnostic purpose.
Hardman claimed he was unfamiliar with the machine and was using it for educational purposes. He denied any sexual motivation, stating that he could easily access 'far superior images' online. However, the panel found no plausible explanation for his actions and concluded they were sexually motivated.
The radiographer did not attend the hearing but sent emails describing the allegations as 'pure speculation'. He noted his unblemished 40-year career and expressed regret, apologising if he had offended anyone. The panel deemed his conduct 'very serious and deplorable', falling well below professional standards.
