Incompetent cancer specialist hired after Skype interview During a hearing, one of Mr Sharma's senior colleagues said she had not seen such a "lack of fundamental understanding" in her 29 years working for the NHS. The radiographer's work standard was felt to be so poor that he had to be supervised at all times. Stephen Fash, chairman of the disciplinary panel, said: "It was clear that Mr Sharma never reached a level of competence where he could practice autonomously. He never reached a stage when he could work without constant supervision. The panel has identified a number of serious deficiencies in Mr Sharma's practice. Mr Sharma, who is now thought to be working back in India, was suspended for a year. Mr Fash added: "It will be open to him to undertake additional education and training in order to demonstrate to the panel which conducts the review hearing that he has addressed those deficiencies." Mr Sharma was employed in May last year following the Skype interview but his contract was terminated in July. He was not present and or represented at the hearing. Afterwards a spokesman for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: "The trust dismissed Mr Sharma during his probationary period on the grounds of capability. Our lead for radiotherapy took the decision to report him to the Health and Care Professions Council in order to protect the public and in the best interests of patient safety.