Nurse Cautioned For Taking Inappropriate Photos Of Patient, UK

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 02 May 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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A 45 year old Registered Nurse from Chadwell Heath, Romford has received a two year Caution by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) at a hearing held in London on Monday, 28 April 2008.

Sherril Gurley was employed as a Staff Nurse at Basildon University Hospital in 2006 when she used her mobile phone to photograph a female patient as they sat on the toilet and as they left the bathroom.

On a separate occasion Ms Gurley made inappropriate comments to a colleague about the size of a patient's genitals and showed a photograph of male genitals to the colleague. Although her actions caused no direct or indirect harm to either patient, the independent panel of the Conduct and Competence Committee panel deemed that Ms Gurley's behaviour fell short of what is expected of a Registered Nurse.

Commenting on the panel's decision to issue Ms Gurley with a two year Caution, NMC spokesperson Kristy Hempel said:

"Sherril Gurley's actions failed to protect the dignity of vulnerable patients in her care. Displaying a lack of regard for the ethics required of a Registered Nurse, she also failed to uphold the reputation of her profession and breached the Code of Professional Conduct. While the circumstances highlighted Ms Gurley's lack of insight, the panel took into account testimonials that spoke highly of her abilities and conduct since the events and an expression of regret and apology. The independent panel decided that given that the incidents were isolated and her good work history, a two year Caution was the appropriate sanction."

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the UK regulator for two professions, nursing and midwifery. The primary purpose of the NMC is protection of the public. It does this through maintaining a register of all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practice within the UK and by setting standards for their education, training and conduct. Currently the number of registrants exceeds 674,000. The Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001 (The Order), sets out the NMC's role and responsibilities.

Nursing and Midwifery Council