A patient has called for an investigation into a Maidstone osteopathy clinic after discovering a practitioner which had treated him for four years was not registered.

Terry Tyrell needed to obtain his records after a problem with his back which left him needing emergency treatment.

The 52-year-old had been attending regular sessions at The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy, in Tonbridge Road, since 1996.

But when he approached the regulator, the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), for the paperwork he was shocked to find out one of the people he was treated by was not registered with the council.

The title ‘osteopath’ is protected by law and it is a criminal offence for a person to describe themselves as one if they are not registered with the council.

It checks that they have been properly trained and are fit to practice on a yearly basis.

However, an individual can say they use osteopathic techniques as long as they are not calling themselves an osteopath.

A letter from the clinic stated Mr Tyrell had been informed about one of the practitioner’s unregistered status at his first appointment, something he denies.

“If someone wants to treat people you should have proof they are properly qualified and regulated” - Terry Tyrell

The letter said his practitioner had other osteopathic qualifications. His medical notes also refer to osteopathic examinations and treatments.

A website dedicated to John Wernham said the college was refused GOsC validation in 2000 despite being academically sound. Subsequently, it added, the decision was taken to continue teaching classical osteopathy at postgraduate level.

But Mr Tyrell, an IT worker, wants the council to look into the clinic.

He said: “I’m exceptionally concerned and cheesed off. In this day and age you expect a professional to deliver a professional service.

“If someone wants to treat people you should have proof they are properly qualified and regulated.”

The dad-of-two was later referred for physiotherapy by his GP to help correct a twisted pelvis.

But complications correcting the problem through physio led to a disk blowing in his back, leaving him needing an emergency operation.

A spokesman from the GOsC said the council was aware of the clinic, but could not discuss its dealings. Mr Tyrell has not reported the clinic and Kent Police had not received any other reports about the centre.

No one from the The John Wernham College of Classical Osteopathy was prepared to comment.