Nurse Touting Sexual Services Is Struck Off, UK

Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 22 May 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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A 34 year old nurse who has brought the nursing profession into disrepute has been struck off the register by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).

The Independent Conduct and Competence Committee panel heard how Lynsey Brown, who was employed as a registered nurse at the Churchwood Medical Practice, knowingly entered or allowed to be entered inappropriate and sexually explicit material onto a personal profile on a website.

Brown, who was not present at the hearing, identified herself as a "professional nurse" and "senior nurse" on the site and listed her personal details and preferred sexual practices.

On 12th April 2005, having discussed her nursing career via email with Daniel Jones, an undercover reporter, Brown accepted payment of £120 and agreed to provide him with sexual services on a subsequent date while dressed in her nursing uniform.

Following Brown's admission that her fitness to practise was impaired by reason of misconduct, the independent panel decided to remove her from the register. The panel had no doubt that her conduct undermined the trust and confidence the public rightly expect from the nursing profession, and that her actions brought the profession into disrepute.

NMC spokesperson, Sarah Connolly, said:

"Brown's actions were a serious departure from the NMC Code and the standards expected of someone in a caring profession. Despite her good work history prior to the event, this was a deliberate act and Brown has admitted her behaviour impaired her fitness to practice. Her actions undermined the reputation of the profession and the independent panel were convinced a striking off order was necessary for the protection of the public and to uphold public confidence in the nursing profession."

The Nursing & 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 practise 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 & Midwifery Council