A 'FAKE psychiatrist' who practised without any qualifications worked in Inverclyde, the Tele has learned.

Zholia Alemi, from New Zealand, practised psychiatry in the NHS for 22 years without any qualifications.

The shocking deception came to light after she was jailed for five years for faking a dementia patient's will in an attempt to inherit her estate.

Now the Telegraph can reveal that Alemi worked in Inverclyde between 2005 and 2006.

Health bosses have set up a helpline for anyone who was under the care of Alemi who wishes to discuss their care during that period.

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "Having learned that Zholia Alemi practised in a number of UK hospitals with a fraudulent medical qualification, we have carried out our own checks and confirmed that this included a short spell as a locum working in the former NHS Argyll & Clyde area.

"We are currently reviewing records relating to that period – 2005 to 2006 – and we have set up a contact telephone number for anyone under the care of Ms Alemi during that time who wishes to discuss their care during that period.

"The telephone number is 0141 314 9235.

"As the General Medical Council has advised, the recruitment processes for overseas staff, has been significantly improved since the time of this individual’s employment in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire."

Alemi claimed to have had a medical degree from Auckland university when she registered in the UK in 1995 but she actually dropped out of medical school in her first year.

She was convicted of fraud and theft at Carlisle Crown Court in October after taking advantage of a vulnerable patient.

After her deception was revealed, the GMC said urgent checks would be carried out on 3,000 foreign doctors following the Alemi case.

It apologised for 'inadequate' checks in the 1990s.