A UK health tribunal has removed Ifenyinwa Chizube Ndulue-Nonso from the professional register after finding that she falsely presented herself as an experienced dietitian to secure employment with the NHS.
The ruling followed a hearing by the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) on March 2, which examined her conduct shortly after she began working at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in February 2024.
According to the tribunal, Ndulue-Nonso misrepresented her qualifications and demonstrated significant gaps in basic medical knowledge within days of starting the role.
The panel highlighted several critical errors, including claims that urine is stored in the gallbladder, that radiotherapy can treat heart failure, and incorrect identification of the digestive system’s structure. She also reportedly failed to calculate a patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI).
Her supervisor described these shortcomings as “extremely alarming,” noting that they involved fundamental anatomy and essential professional competencies. Concerns about her performance were formally raised within three days of her employment.
The tribunal further heard that she admitted to lacking practical experience in key areas, including administering feeding through intravenous methods and using nutritional supplement drinks. She was also reportedly observed searching online for basic medical terms while on duty.
Investigations revealed that 20 out of the 28 competencies she claimed in her application could not be verified. Although Ndulue-Nonso denied intentional deception—arguing that her application reflected her experience in Nigeria—the panel concluded that her actions were deliberate and sustained, posing a serious risk to patient safety.
As a result, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has struck her off the UK register of dietitians, effectively barring her from practising in the country.
